2024 Denver National Conference

March 20-23, 2024

Additional sessions will be added as they are accepted and confirmed over the next several weeks.
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Rooms and times subject to change.
506 results
Save up to 50 sessions in your agenda.

Restorative Practices in STEM: Building Trust and Accountability

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2C


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Diversity in STEM is crucial; however, we need to do more than just talk about it. In order to really create inclusive spaces, we must address the dark side of science which has led many groups to shy away from pursuing these fields. This harm can be repaired through restorative practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will understand the history of science in the United States. By acknowledging the systemic obstacles and barriers that certain underrepresented groups faced, we can implement restorative strategies to create inclusive science classrooms, such as: circles, conferences, and restorative questions.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Josue Falaise (GOMO Educational Services)

Strategies to Ignite Curiosity and Foster Engagement

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1F


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Unlock the power of student sensemaking in science. Learn strategies to ignite curiosity, foster discussion, and use writing to create an inclusive classroom. Elevate science teaching to ensure you have a student-centered classroom using strategies that develop science and engineering practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
For middle school students, communication through talking and writing is natural. When they are making sense of science through talking and writing, they are making their thinking visible. This session highlights strategies and routines that will transform science lessons into student-centered learning.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Rhoades (Collaborative Science Teaching and Learning Group Consulting: Midlothian, VA)

Spectroscopy Puzzles

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 708



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Presentation Denver 2024 final.pptx
Click on Title on Title Slide and should have viewing rights to my entire Advanced Chemistry folder.
NSTA Presentation Denver 2024 final.pptx

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Implentation of spectroscopic evidence in an elective high school chemistry course to identify various unknown organic structures.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be provided with resources and assessments to identify an unknown organic compound given its % composition. The spectroscopic methods used are Infrared Spectrometry, Mass Spectrometry, and proton NMR Spectroscopy.

SPEAKERS:
Jeromy Bentley (Naperville Central High School: Naperville, IL)

Hosting a Successful Science Fair

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Conference Presentation (1).pptx

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Hosting a STEM Science Fair promotes engagement with the scientific method and CER. It allows students to investigate areas of science that interest them. Learn the logistics of hosting a STEM science fair at your school and the benefits it can bring to your building.

TAKEAWAYS:
Hosting a Science Fair allows students to be active scientists as they study, experiment, and share their knowledge of an in-depth topic of their interest.

SPEAKERS:
Stacie Hopple (8th grade science teacher: New Lexington, OH)

Bat Houses to Reduce Malaria Infections

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Bat House 2024.pptx
The PowerPoint for Bat House Creations

STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

Undergraduate researchers built a bat house on the Amazon River Basin. The project goals were: 1.) provide natural remediation, 2.) create a marketable commodity (guano), and 3.) reduce overhead costs. The venture has proven beneficial and has far-reaching global effects on the most at-risk humans.

TAKEAWAYS:
Several benefits for the Maijuna can be replicated in other communities. International historical bat projects will be shared. Future ventures with tropical bat houses and other natural resources will be shared. The main takeaway is the use of the natural environment to battle current human struggles.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Bechtel (Wartburg College: Waverly, IA)

OpenSciEd 101 for School and Districts Leaders – What You Need to Know

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://tinyurl.com/OSE101-NSTA-3-21-2024

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Like many states, Connecticut has adopted OpenSciEd for the middle level model science curriculum. The approach to teaching and learning through OpenSciEd presents a challenge for school and district leaders– that is, what does it look like? The instructional model & feedback will be the focus.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leaders and supervisors will learn what to expect in an OpenSciEd classroom and take away tools and resources to support their understanding, and support teacher implementation through formative feedback to enhance teacher growth and collective efficacy.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Wlodarczyk (Capitol Region Education Council: Wethersfield, CT)

Enhancing the NGSS with 3D Printing, Drones, Robots, and Coding!

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1mSfLF_8l9dpyJYYTRTJNJNwFONx3fpcwHGTqyKakWj0/edit#slide=id.g22a3d5dd5f1_0_36
Please reach out if there are any questions...we'd be more than happy to connect and partner with you!

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Making enhancements to our Science programming requires an integration of STEM concepts. In this session we share our technological journey and how we have infused 3D printing, drones, robots, coding, and Arduinos seamlessly into 6th-8th grade Science classes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees learn how STEM can be infused seamlessly into current NGSS programming, new STEM options available, how they are being used to increase problem solving and critical thinking skills, and how to use the instructional planning framework to integrate STEM technology into any middle-level class.

SPEAKERS:
Anna Kopacz , Howard Frishman (Woodlawn Middle School: Long Grove, IL), Nicole McRee (KCSD#96: Lindenhurst, IL)

Early Engineering Encounters

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3F


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Participants will use the engineering design process to imagine and build challenges that link with popular rhymes. Lively learning activities will integrate NGSS, math, literacy, and SEL, supporting research that science and engineering should be included for early elementary students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engineering activities can be effectively utilized with early primary students, supporting their growth not only in science, but also in math, ELA, and SEL. Participants will experience engineering exercises that can be readily integrated into their classroom practice.

SPEAKERS:
Pam Nolan-Beasley (Science Teacher Trainer and Elementary STEAM Teacher: Walla Walla, WA)

Amazing Exploding Cattails, Heated Mittens, and Turkey by 5 o’clock: Students’ Misconceptions in Science

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Amazing Exploding Cattails, Heated Mittens, Turkey by 5 Student Misconceptions

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Are your students’ explanations of science sometimes jaw-dropping, leaving you scratching your head as to where that “knowledge” came from? While we can’t eliminate kids’ misconceptions, we can work with those ideas to help them understand the correct science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn how to work with misconceptions that students hold in order to incorporate those into useful assessments. Use students’ sensemaking to discover ways to get at those ideas, and share your students’ misconceptions, hear others as well, and build research-based assessments.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Crockett (Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian: Antrim, NH)

STEMMING Around with Gravity and Air Pressure: Dropping Copters vs. Huff & Puff Vehicles

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2G



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Denver 2024 NSTA Presentation_Carolyn.Mohr.pptx

STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Increase knowledge aligning SEPs with science DCIs. Will students Plan/Conduct investigations using Inquiry lessons, or will they define simple design problems practicing STEM protocols? Design/build Paper Helicopters and Huff & Puff Vehicles practicing both ways of doing science. FACTs included.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will take away two classroom models (Paper Helicopters & Huff/Puff Vehicles) and experience firsthand how to engage students in collaborative, inclusive groups to solve problems and build community. Try to constrain yourselves as you set up your criteria for success! FACTs modeled, too!

SPEAKERS:
Tina Harris (Bedford North Lawrence High School: Bedford, IN), Carolyn Mohr (University Center of Lake County: Buffalo Grove, IL)

Rise to the Challenge: STEM Design Challenges for Your Students

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4F



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Extreme Zoo Makeover Curriculum Packet
NSTA 2024 Rise to the Challenge Powerpoint Final.pptx
Session Power Point
Rise 1 - Hurricane Heroes Curriculum Packet DIGITAL VERSION (2).pdf
Curriculum Guide for Hurricane Heros
Survivor Island Curriculum Packet

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Get ready to Rise to the Challenge in this Workshop series based on our Massachusetts STEM Week Challenges. From extreme weather to deserted islands, and zoo makeovers, there’s a challenge for everyone! You’ll experience hands-on, inquiry and phenomena-based investigations. Receive the curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will explore STEM Design Challenges funded by the MA DHE and run during MA STEM Week. They will explore using a design challenge in their classroom that addresses the Science and Engineering Standards and the engineering design process, and will experience using phenomena-based units.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Stronach (Lloyd Center for the Environment: Dartmouth, MA), Kathryn Atkins (Wade Institute for Science Education: Shelburne Falls, MA), Sandra Ryack-Bell (Wade Institute for Science Education: Dartmouth, MA)

Using Microprocessor Tools to Sense and Interact with the Environment

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 702



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Using Microprocessor Tools to Sense and Interact with the Environment.pdf

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Physical computing allows students to design and create interactive objects that emphasize computational thinking skills. Participants will engage in activities designed for middle school students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Microcontrollers are small computers that come with several integrated sensors. Their functionality makes them useful for both investigations and engineering projects. Some of the basic functionality of different microcontrollers will be learned through hands-on experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Susan German (Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Hallsville, MO), G. Michael Bowen (Mount Saint Vincent University: Halifax, NS)

The Joy in the Making of a Middle School Genius Hour

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3A


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

In this presentation we’ll discuss how to bring makerspaces, STEAM, and genius hour to life in the classroom. An experienced STEAM educator will share her joyful journey creating and implementing a middle school STEAM class rooted in research on making, equity, and the genius hour practice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to bring joy into teaching and learning through making, STEAM, and genius hour. Attendees will walk away with tools, tips, and tricks to support their own vision of joy in teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Olivia Bello (75 Morton: New York, NY)

Empowering Student Scientists: Bringing Research into the Classroom

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
How & Why Do Scientists Communicate.pptx
Intro to Jelly-Side Down Lab.pptx
Jelly-Side Down - Class Results Table (so students can compare their results with other groups).doc
Jelly-Side Down - Data Analysis.docx
Jelly-Side Down - Intro to Presentations.docx
Jelly-Side Down - Presentation Grade Sheet.doc
Jelly-Side Down - Presentation Outline.doc
Jelly-Side Down - Writing Tips for Procedures.doc
March 2023 NSTA Conference - Presentation.pptx
NGSS Appendix F - Science and Engineering Practices.pdf
NGSS Appendix H - The Nature of Science.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Explore student-driven phenomena to teach and scaffold the NGSS Science Practices! This session is a mix of presentation, hands-on inquiry, and discussion. Utilizing a teacher’s experience in research and scientific publication, we’ll explore common areas of dissonance in emerging scientists.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to make authentic research accessible to diverse learners with a simple jelly, bread, and kitchen utensil investigation. Scaffolding progressions will cover scientific writing, data analysis, peer feedback, and scientific communication to bridge the gap between classroom and research.

SPEAKERS:
Megan Lane (C R Anderson Middle School: Helena, MT)

Wait, that’s a job I can do someday? Connecting Engineering Research to the Elementary Classroom

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3A


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Engage in activities that show how to connect your current science lessons to cutting edge engineering research and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM. Receive access to K-5 NGSS aligned resources that immerse students in scenario based tasks using data from current STEM research.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to enhance student engagement, and promote STEM college and career pathways by connecting classroom learning to current engineering research at URI and UCONN. Leave with access to video and instructional resources aligned to NGSS and connected to the research.

SPEAKERS:
John Koziatek (University of Rhode Island: Salem, CT), Christopher Cochran (GEMS-Net, University of Rhode Island: Coventry, RI), Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi (University of Rhode Island: Kingston, RI), Zachary Orefice (GEMS-Net, University of Rhode Island: High Point, NC)

Are My Teachers Really Incorporating 3D Learning or Just Hands-On Activities?

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 603



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation Slide Deck

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Participants will be presented with the characteristics of NGSS-based learning. The presenter will frame this through the review of a hands-on/demonstration activity vs. a Three-Dimensional approach to instruction. This session is meant for school administrators who do not have a science background.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be introduced to the process of converting a hands-on/demonstration activity to a true NGSS-based lesson.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Hilton (Central Indiana Educational Service Center: Indianapolis, IN)

Empowering Students To Directly Experience Scientific Exploration

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2F


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Empower students to investigate the natural world as career scientists do. In this workshop, we will explore accessible field and lab activities from the Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Biology and Conservation graduate program including instructional strategies, lesson plans, and low-cost activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
All students deserve access to high-quality and authentic science experiences. Incorporating real-world scientific training into the classroom provides students with opportunities to be successful in science and contribute to expanding scientific knowledge.

SPEAKERS:
Samantha Turner-Rosa (Curriculum and Program Developer / Graduate Student: Washington, DC)

Empowering Education: Harnessing the Power of AI for 21st Century Classrooms

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 703


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Explore transformative AI tools for education, including Questionwell, Curipod, and Twee. Learn to seamlessly integrate them into lessons, enhance student engagement, and elevate learning with AI-generated questions and personalized feedback.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain hands-on experience with AI tools for education, understanding their potential to enhance student engagement, streamline assessment, and promote innovative teaching strategies.

SPEAKERS:
Selene Verhofstad (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship: Pasadena, TX), Faryal Shaukat (Dobie High School: Houston, TX)

EC: The Explorations of Infants and Toddlers are Real Science

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Young Children and Science Ellen A Cogan
2 page information to accompany presentation 2024 NSTA conference

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Educators in Infant/Toddler classrooms can feel pressure to "teach science" in their groups. Yet, infants and toddlers, allowed to freely explore, engage in science learning daily. The framework's dimensions are part of their world, but adults seldom recognize this.

TAKEAWAYS:
The everyday "play" of infants and toddlers include their attempts to investigate their world, to find out patterns and predictability of objects in their lives. Adults who work with the youngest children rarely understand the scientific concepts that are being investigated and learned.

SPEAKERS:
Ellen Cogan (Hilltop Early Childhood Services: Hartsdale, NY)

A District's Perspective: How Leveraging Phenomena Drives Student Learning Forward

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 406


STRAND: Cultivating Partnerships

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Great Minds

See how Colorado schools are using phenomena to drive K–2 science instruction. We'll dive into a PhD Science® module to discover how phenomenon-driven instruction anchors student learning. Participants will hear from a piloting Colorado district and leave with access to the free K–2 OER materials.

SPEAKERS:
Madeline Cronk (Great Minds: Washington, DC), Rebecca Rolater (pK-12 District Science Coordinator: Aurora, CO)

An Innovative Approach to Integrated STEM

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 610/612


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC)

This session explores a unique approach to integrated STEM. The approach places curricular units that focus on engineering and computer science directly into the core curriculum for every student, PreK-12.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Reynolds (Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC): San Francisco, CA)

The Fluorescence Files: Solving Fictional Crimes with Spectroscopy

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 301


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Decode concealed clues and unveil invisible evidence using spectroscopy! This demonstration will cover how students can use the Go Direct® SpectroVis® Plus Spectrophotometer and Vernier Spectral Analysis® app to capture and identify the spectra for invisible ink in a note left at a crime scene.

SPEAKERS:
Nüsret Hisim (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Hands-On Physics Learning with Vernier Photogates

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 302


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Studying complex physics phenomena with photogates can be exciting for your students! Join us to explore strategies for engaging your students in learning about velocity vs. time graphs, acceleration, and kinematic equations. Build confidence in these tools and bring hands-on learning to your class!

SPEAKERS:
Josh Ence (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), David Carter (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Forensic Escape Room: Design Your Own Biotech Adventure

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 407


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Explore the world of forensic science with these fun and exciting escape room activities! Try forensic blood detection and agarose gel electrophoresis experiments, decipher clues, and solve puzzles. Learn to design your own escape room to have students unravel the evidence and free the innocent.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Tom Cynkar (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Critical Earth Issues: How Your Kids are Going to Save the Planet

Thursday, March 21 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 506


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

Earth faces pressing challenges: rising temperatures, extreme weather, resource strain, and pollution. Unfairly, students must tackle these, but solutions exist. Teachers play a vital role in providing students with academic tools, fostering confidence and hope for them to shape a sustainable future

SPEAKERS:
Michael Wysession (Washington University in St. Louis: Saint Louis, MO)

Exhibit Hall Grand Opening

Thursday, March 21 • 10:50 AM - 11:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Please join us for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the exhibit hall, featuring companies with services, support, and resources for science educators.

Supporting Equity and Justice Through Science Instruction: The Road Traveled and the One Ahead

Thursday, March 21 • 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 108/110



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MRpiqyg56J-DKE2N_-Rb6dYK1IIuHvDV

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

All students have the right to develop a deep understanding of how the world works in ways that support their personal goals and the interests of their community. Come explore how instruction can more equitably support science learning that is consequential to your students and their communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will develop an understanding of an equity project framework for science education for supporting professional learning and implementation projects. They will learn how open education resources (http://stemteachingtools.org/) can help them develop equitable approaches to science teaching.

SPEAKERS:
Philip Bell (University of Washington: Seattle, WA), Michal Robinson (Alabama State Department of Education: Hoover, AL)

How Do You Support Students Through Productive Struggle?

Thursday, March 21 • 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 406


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Great Minds

Come along as we undergo a rigorous student experience to work through a complex investigation. Throughout the course of the session, participants will discover the importance of fostering an environment that encourages challenge where students can struggle in a safe space.

SPEAKERS:
Madeline Cronk (Great Minds: Washington, DC)

From Circuits to Molecules: Biotech basics for middle school and general bio

Thursday, March 21 • 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 405


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Link physical science concepts like circuits and charged particles to the essential biotech method gel electrophoresis. Build a reusable gel electrophoresis system with the Bandit STEM Electrophoresis Kit, and use it to separate colorful dyes. Also, add the A to STEAM with creative pipetting art!

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hennessy-McDonald, PhD (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Enzymatic Explorations: Investigating Solutions for Lactose Intolerance

Thursday, March 21 • 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 301


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Reimagine standards-aligned enzymology lessons with an updated real-world spin. Attendees will explore lactase enzyme function firsthand and use Vernier Go Direct® sensors to observe lactose breakdown. Students can make real-world connections to digestive health concepts like lactose intolerance.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Nüsret Hisim (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Introduction to Vernier: The Basics for Beginners

Thursday, March 21 • 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 302


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Wondering how to get started with Vernier technology? Explore three of our most common sensors for chemistry, biology, and physics and learn about resources and support available to you from Vernier. Walk away with data collection tips and best practices to incorporate in your classes.

SPEAKERS:
David Carter (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Josh Ence (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Code Breakers: Using CRISPR to Rewrite Genetics

Thursday, March 21 • 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 407


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Unleash the power of gene editing with your students using REAL CRISPR-Cas technology to knock out colorful genes in E. coli. Identify successful knockout based on the cell color. Experiment by switching RNA templates and analyzing results, letting your students prove the specificity of CRISPR!

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Tom Cynkar (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Unleashing the Power of Game-Based Learning: Use Legends of Learning for Enhanced Student Engagement and Achievement

Thursday, March 21 • 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 606


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Legends of Learning

Forget boring! Ignite learning with Legends of Learning's Game Based Adventures! Embark on an immersive learning experience. Active, engaging, unforgettable. Unleash the learning within!

SPEAKERS:
Sean Reidy (Legends of Learning: Laurel, MD), Jonathan Gerlach (Legends of Learning: Laurel, MD)

Exploring Solar Energy

Thursday, March 21 • 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 610/612


STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: KidWind Project

Join us to explore the science of solar power! During this workshop, educators will learn the foundations of solar power including the science and technology of solar PV. We will also introduce activities for the classroom that engage students in dynamic, hands-on, energy-based learning.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Arquin (KidWind Project: Saint Paul, MN)

Exclusive Exhibit Hall Hours

Thursday, March 21 • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Discover the latest and greatest science and STEM teaching and learning resources, tools, and products available during this break in concurrent sessions.

Early Childhood and Elementary Science Share-a-Thon

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Participate in an exploration of science and STEM learning tailored for young learners. Navigate through informative stations, engage with colleagues, and establish connections with science leaders. Depart with lessons and resources designed to elevate STEM and science in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Elementary and early childhood educators will leave with resources, lessons, and ideas that will advance science and STEM learning in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: Belle Chasse, LA)

SAT: Wild About Science!

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

Connect with Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium to uncover how educators are bringing science to life for all students. At OHDZA, we know learning continues beyond the four walls of a traditional classroom. Join us to gain meaningful ways to connect students to the world around them!

TAKEAWAYS:
Meet with Omaha's Zoo and Aquarium education team to see how HQIM are used in our Zoo Academies, Zoo After-School Programs, Zoo Outreaches, and Citizen Science Programs. Take away innovative ideas using HQIM to build stronger instruction, deeper engagement, and higher achievements.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Bustos (Coordinator of Camps and Classes: Omaha, NE), Leah Litz (Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium: Omaha, NE)

Engineering with Paper - Amazing Projects with Simple Supplies

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

How to create hands on science and engineering activities using simple supplies of just paper, tape and scissors. Effective for grades K-8

TAKEAWAYS:
Remove the expense factor that often hinders the inclusion of STEAM projects

SPEAKERS:
Godwyn Morris (Dazzling Discoveries / Skill Mill NYC: New York, NY)

SAT Learning About Plants with STEAM (Science and Children, Summer 2016)

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
seed bomb directions.docx.pdf

STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

Teachers how to begin planting using upcycled and free materials, how to reuse containers as planters, how to make biodegradable seedling planters in seconds, and how to transform desolate ground into a blooming wildflower garden with seeds and a container of air-dry clay.

TAKEAWAYS:
Simple, easy, and inexpensive methods for starting a school garden by using upcycled and free materials

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Kurson (Collegiate School: New York, NY)

Young Children Do Not Need Science :Lessons - They Learn Real Science as They Explore Every Day Materials

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This is a hands-on session where participants will use every day items and associate their use with scientific concepts. They will find that multiple items will lead to the same concept, and/or that one item can be associated with multiple science concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Children can learn real science through every day items. A handout will help participants remember some of these concepts and the science terms they can use with children.

SPEAKERS:
Ellen Cogan (Hilltop Early Childhood Services: Hartsdale, NY)

Using community centered phenomena to foster learners' community cultural wealth

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Paramount tasks can develop learners’ scientific literacy and critical consciousness by problematizing real world situations. We will engage participants in explorations to demonstrate how community-centered phenomena and children’s literature can be catalysts for developing paramount tasks (EC-5).

TAKEAWAYS:
Paramount tasks foster opportunities to develop rigorous problems that intricately connect learners, their communities, and their cultures with key content and skills. This approach reflects the hallmark of the NGSS and positions learners and their communities at the forefront of learning.

SPEAKERS:
Kelley Buchheister (Associate Professor: Lincoln, NE)

Ants Arrows Apps and More with ScienceFairyProjects

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Experience 4 take-away activities for ages 2-8 in engineering and math. Integrate suggested apps from technology and the sciences. Preview a complete Science Fairy project for staff training. Bang for your dollar here.

TAKEAWAYS:
STEM activities (9) with at-conference DIY from That Science Fairy to implement in early education 2-8 settings

SPEAKERS:
Laura Weilert (Maker of Experiences: Colorado Springs, CO)

SAT: Fueling Student Engagement Through Leveling Up

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Join two instructional coaches who will lead a medical-themed session where attendees will have the opportunity to travel through the cross-curricular leveling-up (station-based) activity. Attendees will leave the session with instructional strategies to fuel student engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will participate in a cross-curricular leveling-up (station-based) activity. Attendees will also receive access to a website that includes meaningful instructional sequences, grade-appropriate resources, a cross-curricular map, rubrics, and student organizers fueling student engagement.

SPEAKERS:
Jamesa Broome (Instructional Lead Teacher: Richmond Hill, GA), Ann Vitello (Richmond Hill Middle School: Richmond Hill, GA)

(SEPA) A ”Taste” of Quantum

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Observations are the basis for understanding science principles, especially in elementary. Have you wondered if it is possible to “change” something by measuring it? Is there a difference in observation and measurement? Come find out.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students will be able to distinguish between destructive and non-destructive measurements. Students will be able to explain the difference in measurement and observation. Students will be able to determine when a change occurs while being measured.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Matsler (University of Texas Arlington: Arlington, TX)

Competitive Elementary Robots and Coding

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

It is never too early to introduce students to robotics and coding. Learn about opportunities that are available at the elementary school level. Developing an early curiosity about how to solve problems, while working together are valuable skills that students will be able to use for a lifetime.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about the resources that are available to begin a robotics program at the elementary school level.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy McIntyre (Robotics Education & Competition Foundation: San Jose, CA)

SAT "Creating Picture Books to Promote Environmental Awareness"

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

This project uses environmental topics from NGSS to promote research skills and strengthen awareness of the human impact on the planet, while also encouraging creativity through writing and visual arts. Lesson plans, bibliography, and strategies for implementing in K-5 will be included.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to use grade-level, NGSS standards and concepts as inspiration for students to research, write, and illustrate their own picture books.

SPEAKERS:
Kerry Teeple (University of Findlay College of Education: Findlay, OH)

Homes for the Hurricane Homeless: The Integration of STEM, Place-Based Learning, and Designing Thinking in the Elementary Classroom

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Participants will explore an engineering design challenge that engages upper elementary students in the creation of tiny homes as a solution to homelessness after a local natural disaster. Explore Design Thinking principles and how empathy plays a role in authentic and inclusive STEM inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage in an NGSS-based engineering design challenge where you design a solution for homelessness caused by natural disasters and learn the role of empathy in STEM inquiries by using Design Thinking principles and place-based strategies that engage all learners in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: Belle Chasse, LA)

Teaching Engineering, Motion, and Energy Using Rube Goldberg

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Wetland Wonderland: an Interactive Museum

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This introduction to STEM for elementary, secondary, or special education classrooms will allow participants to explore motion and energy while creating their own Rube Goldberg machine using found objects.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students can easily plan, build, and solve problems on their own Rube Goldberg project using recycled and found materials.

SPEAKERS:
Elaine Sevin (Isidore Newman School: New Orleans, LA)

Distributing Time Across the STEM Disciplines: Teaching Nature of STEM using a 5th Grade Water Distribution 5E

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

We will demonstrate a 5E on the distribution of water on Earth (partially addressing 5-ESS2-2) and show how we give students experiences across the STEM disciplines. Each STEM discipline will be represented in the 5E.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn how you can embed science, engineering, technology, and math in a 5E on the distribution of water (5-ESS2-2).

SPEAKERS:
Elyse Clapp (University of Northern Iowa: Traer, IA), Star Swain (student: palo, IA), Jesse Wilcox (University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA)

STEM Learning is for Everyone!

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Physical science and physics offer a wide assortment of authentic, open-ended early learning activities with hands-on multisensory materials and rich opportunities for group work, easily adapted for all learners, including children with diverse learning needs as they explore concepts and ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Adults help illuminate concepts and skills as children act on familiar multisensory, hands-on materials, developing their emerging scientific thinking, understanding, & causal reasoning. Before children can see themselves as scientists, adults must view all children as science learners.

SPEAKERS:
Shelly Counsell (Self Employed Consultant: Buffalo, NY)

Fueling Success for Students - Win up to $20K for your students and school

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Do you impact your school and community with STEM? If you teach K–12, come learn how to apply to win up to $20K through this teacher competition

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to apply for the Shell-sponsored teacher competition, and collaborate with past winners and judges to learn how to strengthen your application.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton (NSTA: Fresno, TX)

Cultivating Curiosity with Denver Botanic Gardens

Thursday, March 21 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

Learn about all the ways that Denver Botanic Gardens connects K-12 students with nature and take back free resources and strategies to use in your classrooms. We will highlight virtual programs, STEM career exploration resources, and free worksheets and curricula around climate change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about educational opportunities with Denver Botanic Gardens and Budburst, a project of Chicago Botanic Gardens. Take back free resources on STEM career exploration, climate change, citizen science, pollinators and more.

SPEAKERS:
Katelin Gaeth (Denver Botanic Gardens: Denver, CO)

Meaningful Integration of Science with Social Studies, Math, and ELA

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Doing it All, March 2024
NSTA slide deck
Fifth Grade Integrated Unit Folder
Kindergarten Integrated Unit Folder
Third Grade Integrated Unit Folder

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Presenters will share three units in which science is integrated with ELA, math, and social studies. This session will share the process of unit creation and how incorporation with other content areas strengthens science instruction. Three units will be shared: kindergarten, 3rd, and 5th grade.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to integrate multiple content standards to strengthen science instruction, as well as leave with three examples of fully integrated elementary units. In addition to the sharing of the units, presenters will share the creation process so participants can engage in this work.

SPEAKERS:
Mandie Sanderman (Central Rivers Area Education Agency: Waverly, IA), Chelsie Byram (Central Rivers Area Education Agency: Waterloo, IA)

Drilling for Stardust in the Ice Core Record, A.K.A. The Mystery of the Missing Supernova

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 708



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Decoding Starlight - From Photons to Pixels.pdf
Entire_Ice_Core_Strip_Unlabeled_Color_opt.pdf
https://chandra.si.edu/edu/
Chandra X-Ray Observatory
Ice Core Investigation Jamboard Version
Ice Core Records.pdf
Ice Core Student Handout.pdf

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

A unique and open-ended STEM investigation that incorporates absolute and relative dating techniques, anomalies, historical context, volcanoes, solar proton events, energy cycles, Earth systems, terrestrial events, and supernovas by analyzing 430 years of Earth history from 1562 to 1992.

TAKEAWAYS:
In constructing knowledge, there is no definitive answer, only plausible conclusions based on constructing, analyzing, and comparing data and research from multiple disciplines. This investigation provides a better understanding of the scientific process of developing models and defending results.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young (NSO/NASA: Laughlin, NV)

Living in a Material World! How Materials Science Shapes the Future

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4E


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Materials science combines many fields such as physics, chemistry, engineering, and math to understand the properties of, and create new materials for, the modern world. Get some hands-on learning and get access to resources that will provide exciting cross-content experiences in your classroom!

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore materials science and help students make connections between the understanding of the STUFF things are made of and how this can change our world. Making things like cars, cellphones, medical technology, space exploration, sustainable energy and so much more possible! Materials Matter!

SPEAKERS:
Shelly Grandell (Assistant Director of Education and Outreach: Ixonia, WI)

Fostering Community Through Science: A Whole School Approach

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA 2024---Fostering Community Through Science: A Whole School Approach
NSTA 2024---Fostering Community Through Science: A Whole School Approach

STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

What started out as our solution to “viewing science fair projects can be boring” evolved into a well-attended, hands-on experience for our families and community. In this session, we will share our station-oriented activities and how to use them to build relationships with families and your school.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with the resources and confidence to organize large events for their school and community using science to build relationships. Session participants will be given an outline of helpful resources, tools, and ideas they can use to manage their own events.

SPEAKERS:
Megan Hunt (First Grade Teacher: Eustis, FL), Anne Fritz (Science Teacher: Eustis, FL)

Embracing Growth: Education as a Transformative Journey

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://reimaginedschools.com/nsta-conference-presentations/
There is a copy of the slide presentation plus many other resources!

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Our world demands creative thinkers and problem-solvers. But what is creativity, really? If our job is to foster innovation and prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future, how exactly do we do that in classrooms from K to 16? What I have found out just might surprise you.

TAKEAWAYS:
Research shows that creativity can (and should) be taught. We want to assess it, but it seems so subjective! Attendees will get some background, critique some assessment tools, and collaborate to design research-based criteria to use in their own classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Elise Naramore (Pascack Hills High School: Saddle River, NJ)

Fostering a theme of 'belonging' in the STEM classroom

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2D


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

In this session participants will learn about key ideas from multiple perspectives on the topics of: 1) anti-racism, inclusivity, and asset-based orientations – as foundational pedagogies for preparing future teachers. The goal is to develop a classroom that places belonging before achievement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants challenge the achievement-first orientations to reframe classroom environments by placing ‘belonging’ as a central tenant of STEM pedagogy and practice.

SPEAKERS:
Adam Devitt (Associate professor science education: Turlock, CA)

Conservation Connections Through Community Citizen Science

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Mineral Hall C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Conservation Connections through Community Citizen Science

STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

Learn citizen science activities to increase student engagement. Join a classroom teacher, National Geographic Explorer, and an education specialist at the Jacksonville Zoo, and integrate geospatial applications to help students build science skills through connections in their local community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Youth can drive change as citizen scientists in their local community while developing science skills in field research and data collection. Educators will learn how to empower youth to address community issues as young scientists and changemakers of tomorrow.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Blum (School Program Specialist: Jacksonville, FL), Alicia Pressel (Creekside High School: Jacksonville, FL)

A Baby Science Fair? Bringing the Science Fair to Our Youngest Learning

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3D


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

65% of Elementary School students will enter STEM jobs that haven't been created yet. How do we prepare students for jobs that don't exist yet? While we don't know what problems our students will face, we do know that they will face problems, and those problems are solved through STEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how Gwinnett County Public Schools is engaging our youngest scientists in science-fair-type experiences where curiosity takes its first steps.

SPEAKERS:
Brandon McKinney (Gwinnett County Public Schools: Stone Mountain, GA), Kristin Luthi (Gwinnett County Public Schools: Suwanee, GA)

Light, Shadows, and Literacy: Not Just Reading About STEM but Doing STEM Every Day During Small Group Reading Instruction

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3F



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Additional Guidance
This resource contains detailed lists of materials, assessments, standards, and supports for teachers in investigating light & shadow with young children.
Light & Shadow Experience Sheet
This handout includes a description of the value of light & shadow experiences and the NGSS standards it meets; the developmental progression of children's understanding of shadows; ideas on how to introduce light & shadow experiences and launch student-centered investigations; and sets of materials to consider using in student-led investigations.
Questions that Nuture STEM Thinking
Research tells us that children learn most when consistently given feedback on performance (Pianta, et al, 2005). Effective feedback focuses on the process of learning NOT simply on getting the right answer. When educators provide specific information about their work, children can reach a deeper understanding of concepts than if they work without feedback. Feedback can also provide the motivation to stay engaged in an experience. Children want to know that their teacher values their work and by
Table Top Screens
Here is a description of a table top screen used in light & shadow investigations that can be made by a teacher or purchased.

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Engage in teacher play with LED lights, objects, and screens that invite PK-2 students to independently investigate light & shadow phenomenon. STEM coaches and teachers will come away with a plan that gives children access to STEM learning every day during small group reading instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
STEM coaches and PK-2 teachers will take away a list of easily obtained open-ended materials and a classroom-tested plan to allow students to independently engage in student-led STEM investigations every day that grows STEM dispositions and elevates student literacy learning as an added benefit.

SPEAKERS:
Beth Dykstra VanMeeteren (University of Northern Iowa: Cedar Falls, IA)

Digital Mapping for Place-Based STEM

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 103/105


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Nothing excites an educator more than learning a new skill and sharing it with others! The goal of this session is to introduce Place-Based STEM using digital mapping and storytelling resources. Educators will receive direct instruction in digital mapping and resources for their classes!

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn to connect location and geography to science content locally, regionally, and globally through the use of digital mapping and problem-based learning STEM strategies.

SPEAKERS:
Heidi Ragsdale (STEM Professional Development: GRAND JUNCTION, CO)

Developing Effective Disciplinary Literacy Practices: Grade 3-8 Science Experiences That Help Students Develop Their Abilities to Think, Act & Communicate

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2B


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn effective ways to help students formulate effective questions, design explorations to answer their questions, apply analytical and critical thinking skills, collect and interpret data, and determine effective ways to communicate their findings and the concepts they have learned. Handouts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to help students read like a scientist, how to formulate effective questions they want to answer, how to set up explorations and learning experiences, how to apply skills and communicate their findings so that students can think, act, and communicate like scientists.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Knoell (self: Shawnee Mission, KS)

Using Microcontrollers in Inquiry-Based STEM to Facilitate Learning For All

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 702



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
2024 NSTA Using Microcontrollers in Inquiry-Based STEM to Facilitate Learning For All.pdf

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Physical computing allows students to design and create interactive objects that emphasize computational thinking skills. Participants will engage in activities designed for middle school students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Microcontrollers are small computers that come with several integrated sensors. Their functionality makes them useful for both investigations and engineering projects. We will focus in how engineering tasks using microcontrollers provide opportunities for student sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Susan German (Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Hallsville, MO), G. Michael Bowen (Mount Saint Vincent University: Halifax, NS)

Using Game-Based Learning to Educate Families About the Brain

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
HYB Flyer.pdf
Updated HYB Folding Puzzle.pdf
Using Game-Based Learning to Educate Families About the Brain.pdf
Using Game-Based Learning to Educate Families About the Brain.pptx

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Game-based learning is a powerful way to engage learners and introduce STEM topics. Working with experts, we designed an escape room for students and their families to increase their understanding of neuroscience phenomena and how the brain works. Try demo activities as you learn to design your own.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will demonstrate how to develop an educational escape room to serve informal and formal science learning objectives and get families actively interacting with science and engineering processes. It will also review methods of assessment, especially for out-of-school settings.

SPEAKERS:
Daisy Reyes (PhD Student: Brooklyn, NY), Lucas Leprince (Game Designer: , No State), Sandra Roberts (Science Friday: Blairstown, NJ)

Empowering Educators Using Science Substance and the Resilience Revolution

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 712


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

The Science Teacher Symposium is a model focused on science content knowledge that simultaneously provides the space and support teachers need to focus on their own wellbeing. Hear the impacts and lessons learned after 6 years of crosscutting connections and 2 years of embedded resilience training.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will understand the pros and cons of the in-person vs. virtual versions of the multi-day symposium model and will learn about the incredible impacts the resilience training has had on the educators involved, including increased teacher retention.

SPEAKERS:
Meg Gebert (Arizona Science Teachers Association: Tucson, AZ), Alison Smith (The Thrive Designer: Chandler, AZ), DaNel Hogan (Waters Center for Systems Thinking: Tucson, AZ)

A Kiwi's Guide Toward More Student-Centred, Hands-On Science in the Classroom — Adapting and Extending Exisiting Ideas

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3A


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Participants will directly experience and undertake a more authentic science investigation by adapting and extending exisiting hands-on investigations. This is a step toward more student-directed investigations that allow exploration and the creation of evidence-based claims (i.e. sensemaking).

TAKEAWAYS:
Using the provided hands-on activities, participants will be given a plausible scenario encouraging them to explore and then create evidence-based claim(s) — modelling a more student-directed approach. This process strongly aligns with the sensemaking framework of explore-before-explain...

SPEAKERS:
Ian Kennedy (The Roadshow: Wellington, 0)

Legendary Lessons: How To Enhance Your Instruction Through Storytelling

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1F


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Once upon a time, there were dedicated teachers who wanted nothing more than classrooms full of happy, engaged, and inspired students. Alas, our heroes must face many dastardly obstacles including boring curriculum! This session will provide storytelling tips to help turn duds into happy endings...

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with compelling explanations/research behind the effectiveness of storytelling as an instructional tool as well as several examples of story integration into various STEM activities.

SPEAKERS:
Elaine Wu (Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy: Aurora, IL)

Making science make sense for our youngest students (and their teachers)

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3A


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Early grades students are the most curious, uninhibited learners. They are ready and eager to share their ideas. How do we support them in developing accurate science understandings about complex phenomenon?

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will explore complex phenomenon that support the NGSS K-5 standards, developing not only their own understandings, but considering how they can support students in group sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Ananda Weigand-Sheerer (teacher leader: Rochester, NY), Kelly Peason (Associate Director of Science Education Outreach: Pittsford, NY), Michael Occhino (The Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development: Rochester, NY), Kimberly Fluet (Associate Director of Science Education Outreach: Rochester, NY)

Department of Defense STEM Programs – Growing the next generation of STEM leaders

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 106



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Air & Space Force STEM Outreach
Army Educational Outreach Program
DoD STEM
DoD STEM Opportunities
Naval Horizons STEM Essay Contest
Naval STEM
NSTA Denver DoD STEM Programs Session.pdf

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Imagine a world where you can solve real-world problems, build robots, and use cutting-edge of technology. The Department of Defense (DoD) offers diverse STEM programs for kindergarten to post-secondary students and teachers, including competitions, camps, professional growth opportunities and more.

TAKEAWAYS:
The Department of Defense has an extensive and diverse portfolio of STEM programs for kindergarten to post-secondary students and teachers. Attendees will discover the wide range of programs offered by the research offices of the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

SPEAKERS:
Louie Lopez (Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering: Alexandria, VA), Kathryn Lasky (NSTA/Army Educational Outreach Program: Crofton, MD), Brian Leftridge (U.S. Army: Lakeland, TN), Kathleen Miranda (Naval STEM Coordination Office), Winnie Boyle (NSTA: Fort Lauderdale, FL), Elyse Lohrbach (United States Air Force: Powell, OH)

EquIP HQ: Demystifying the Patent Process in K-12 Education

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 710


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Join the US Patent & Trademark Office with activities from the free online invention education platform EquIP HQ, Patent Sensei, and Patent Quest. Gain a conceptual understanding of some of the steps needed to take during the patent process including developing skills to help perform a patent search.

TAKEAWAYS:
All students have the power to invent. The USPTO is committed to providing free resources to help K-12 students realize their potential as inventors. Unlocking young inventors' potential, EquIP HQ introduces students to the patent process, igniting creativity and innovation in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Juan Valentin (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Laurel, MD)

Easy and Intuitive Science Conversations with The Visual Non-Glossary

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 706


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Blank stares and closed mouths no more! The Visual Non-Glossary makes rich, equitable small-group conversations super easy by providing structured visuals and guiding discussion questions and sentence stems for each of 1,500+ vocabulary words K-12 in Science, available in both English and Spanish.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to get kids to think deeply and talk elaborately about science content. We will interact in small groups with science content to see how all students of different backgrounds can intuitively engage with structured visuals.

SPEAKERS:
Stephen Fleenor (Seidlitz Education: San Antonio, TX)

Teaching about the Intersections of Biology, Race, and Racism: Strategies, Curriculum Resources, and Research

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 108/110



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CLuEPHlllrjyQvTMYDLJrmqO5lANvILN
PD Playlist one pager - Equity in Science Ed.pdf
STEM-Teaching-Tool-53-How-to-Avoid-Known-Pitfalls-Associated-with-Culturally-Responsive-Instruction.pdf
STEM-Teaching-Tool-79-Dismantling-Systemic-Racism-through-STEM.pdf
STEM-Teaching-Tool-86-Race-and-Young-People.pdf
STEM-Teaching-Tool-89-Race-and-Identity-in-Science-Classrooms.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Racism is prevalent in our society. Participants will examine resources for engaging students in respectful and productive activity that contrast the social construct of race with scientific understandings of genetics. Examples of how science education can be a form of social justice will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Anti-racism work in science education is difficult. Resources to support teachers in engaging in controversial topics will be examined and used by participants to rehearse effective pedagogical moves in engaging in classroom discussions of racism and science. Curricular resources will be shared.

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison (University of Washington: Salt Spring Island, BC), Jeanne Chowning (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center: Seattle, WA), Michal Robinson (Alabama State Department of Education: Hoover, AL), Kelsie Fowler (University of Washington: Seattle, WA), Jason Foster (Evanston Township High School: EVANSTON, IL)

Leveraging Curriculum Embedded Assessments

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 406


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Great Minds

Join us as we review the parameters of three-dimensional assessments and practice screening assessments for three-dimensionality. In this session, we'll brainstorm ways to work with system leaders to strategically plan around curriculum embedded assessments and uncover supports for every child.

SPEAKERS:
Madeline Cronk (Great Minds: Washington, DC)

The Science Table by Anatomage – Introducing Interactive Virtual Science Experiments to your Classroom

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 610/612


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Anatomage, Inc.

The Science Table provides a library of over 60 biology, chemistry, and physics experiments with realistic-quality visuals on an interactive 7 foot-long touch-screen table. The workshop will focus on incorporating the Science Table into middle school, high school, and college level classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Jake Lehman (Anatomage, Inc: Santa Clara, CA)

Modeling Membrane Explorations – Real-World Connections with Wet Labs

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 501


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Dive into modeling the movement of ions and nutrients across membranes. Help your students connect theory with the results from popular homeostasis labs.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Hutson (3D Molecular Designs: Westmoreland, KS)

Engaging Students in Science and Engineering Practices through Conservation Stories

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 606


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Wildlife Conservation Society

WCS presents Field Sight pairs the insight of our educators with the expertise of WCS field staff to bring you stories of the conservation work we are doing all over the world. Learn about our exciting fieldwork protecting wildlife, and bring this valuable information into your classroom!

SPEAKERS:
Anine Booth (Wildlife Conservation Society: Bronx, NY)

NOAA workshop 2: NOAA Planet Stewards - Affect change through education, collaboration, and action - and receive up to $5000 to do it!

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 505



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA 2024 Denver NOAA Workshop 2 - NOAA Planet Stewards - Copy.pptx

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: NOAA

As a NOAA Planet Stewards Educator you can become a STEM agent of change in your school and community. Learn how to access professional development opportunities, education resources, and funding, to increase students’ science literacy, and have them respond to real world environmental threats.

SPEAKERS:
Symone Barkley (NOAA National Ocean Service: Silver Spring, MD), Bruce Moravchik (NOAA National Ocean Service: Rockville, MD), Karen Metcalf (Cornerstone Learning Community: Tallahassee, FL), Kelley Hodges (Patronis Elementary School: Panama City Beach, FL), Kyla Trahan (Beaumont Middle School: Lexington, KY)

Modeling Ocean Acidification: A Hands-On Approach

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 404


STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: PASCO

Gain vital teaching tools to make global phenomena feel relevant to students to improve their understanding of climate change. We’ll show you how to engage students while monitoring local CO2 levels, modeling ocean acidification, and exploring global data sets with free classroom-ready resources.

SPEAKERS:
Sophia Guzules (PASCO Scientific: Roseville, CA)

Instructional Strategies Matter: 15 STEM Teacher Actions (Grades 3-8)

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 303


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

In the STEM classroom, an effective teacher selects actions that have an impact on student achievement. Come learn about the 15 STEM Teacher Actions to enhance your instructional practices and achieve improved student achievement.

SPEAKERS:
Angela Campana (Accelerate Learning, Inc.: Houston, TX)

Keep Calm and Chemistry On: Successful Lab Activities for the New Chemistry Teacher

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 401


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Explore easy, engaging, and safe chemistry activities that guarantee a reaction in your students. Whether you’re new to chemistry or feeling out of your element, create excitement with hands-on labs, demonstrations, and Carolina’s digital content.These lab activities support 3-dimensional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Nixon (Watauga High School: Blowing Rock, NC)

Engineer Physical Science Excitement with a Carolina STEM Challenge®

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 402


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Apply creative problem-solving skills and engineering practices to chemistry and physical science challenges with race cars and rockets. Experience how Carolina makes it easy to incorporate STEM into your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Hale, MI)

Support 3D Teaching with Vernier Connections™

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 301


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discover the newest STEM solution from Vernier, built to teach and engage students in 3D science! Vernier Connections is a web-based platform that equips teachers with hands-on lessons. We will feature a lesson demonstrating the design & structures that make Connections a must for the STEM classroom

SPEAKERS:
Lori Anderson (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Investigating Invisible Forces: Mapping Magnetic Fields

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 302


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Learn how to make magnetism visible and quantifiable for students! Dive into Earth science concepts such as modeling field strength, polarity, and orientation using the Go Direct® 3-Axis Magnetic Field Sensor. Investigate permanent magnets and electromagnets with hands-on, ready-to-use experiments.

SPEAKERS:
David Carter (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Josh Ence (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

The Sweet Laboratory: Exploring Food Science with Biotechnology

Thursday, March 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 407


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Bring inquiry into your classroom with food science! Learn how to extract dyes from candy to analyze using agarose gel electrophoresis and paper chromatography. Students use the simple techniques as a starting point to design experiments, test hypotheses, and use STEM techniques to analyze results.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Tom Cynkar (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

5 West Geriatrics Unit: From Hypothesis to Conclusion

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 706



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Game Prototype Reducing Falls Risk
This Point has the Materials of the entire game along with instructions.
Implementing Prototype NSTA Presentation
This is the power point I am using to deliver the background behind the game and its facilitation.
Mocha Mindscape Instructional Design
This is my new blog for instructional design. You can use this to connect with me and discover different ideas about systems thinking as an instructional designer/educator.
Welcome to Falls
This was the Power Point I used at Central 9 to engage students.

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

This is a real-life scenario in a hospital setting. The goal is to decrease patient falls inside the 5 West Geriatrics Unit. The Participants team members and leaders in this particular unit will work together to implement a hypothesis to decrease patient falls.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using real-life scenarios can give context that will open up opportunities for leadership, solving problems, and working together as a team.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Biedler (Instructional Designer: Non-Hispanic/Non-Latino, IN)

Investigate & Analyze the Physical & Chemical Processes of Stellar Evolution Using NASA/UoL JS9 STEM Image Analysis Tools & Supporting Resources

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 708



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Chandra X-Ray Observatory
Investigate & Analyze Physical & Chemical.pdf
Jamboard Version Card Sets
JS9 Image Analysis Tools

STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Photons of electromagnetic radiation of all wavelengths are collected by telescopes and processed using computers. Scientists use image analysis software to analyze the data and construct unique models of the data, including stars and galaxies, while maintaining the integrity of the underlying data.

TAKEAWAYS:
All our knowledge of stars and galaxies is determined by spectroscopy— the analysis of radiation emissions, including radio, infrared, optical, ultraviolet, gamma, and X-ray. Knowledge of spectroscopy is essential to understanding the processes producing the individual wavelengths.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young (NSO/NASA: Laughlin, NV)

Building Bridges to Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Mineral Hall B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Building Bridges Slides with LInks

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn from our experience as a math and a science teacher collaborating together to give our students an interdisciplinary learning opportunity so that you can start your own plan. We will share the logistics from this authentic inquiry-based project and you’ll hear testimonials from our students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be provided with one way to overcome logistical challenges inherent with interdisciplinary collaboration at the secondary level, including differing rosters and schedules. Furthermore, attendees will have the opportunity to start their own plan for their own interdisciplinary project.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Schneiderwind (Daniel C Oakes high school: Castle Rock, CO), Nadene Klein (Daniel C. Oakes High School: Elizabeth, CO)

Community Focused Science Events that Lead to Sensemaking and 3 Dimensional Learning

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Hide A Butterfly Parent Sheet.pdf
Parent Sheet for Hide a Butterfly
NSTA Denver Community Science Events.pptx
Our slides from the presentation.
Unbeatable Beaks Parent Sheet.pdf
Parent Sheet for UnBeatable Beaks
Wiggling Worms Parent Sheet.png
Parent Sheet for Wiggling Worms

STRAND: Cultivating Partnerships

Show Details

What will be describe in this session is are community science events that can be organized with themes that use natural phenomena or NGSS standards, practices, and outcomes that a school would like to promote. We will also share how we form these partnerships with local schools and museums.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to update these events to go beyond the traditional Family Science Events that are superficial. One main takeaway are example indepth activities and resources that can be used with families and students at local schools and museums. We share information about resources.

SPEAKERS:
Morgan Glann (Central Michigan University: Sanford, MI), Eli Vincent (Central Michigan University: Evart, MI), Lauren Rupe (Central Michigan University: Mt. Pleasant, MI), Jim McDonald (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI), Emma Patrus (Central Michigan University: Chesterfield, MI)

Ignite Your Passion for STEM with NASA’s SPARX!

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Igniting K-12 Passion for STEM with NASA SPARX! .pdf

STRAND: Lesson Showcase

Show Details

NASA's Next Gen STEM SPARX (Sparking Participation and Real-world eXperiences in STEM) offers an exciting entry-level opportunity for K-2 educators to access standards-aligned activities and resources that follow evidence-based practices to equip their students with the skills to thrive in STEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the educator benefits of NASA SPARX and how this evidence-based model was selected, and will try their hands at some of the curated engineering design activities from the K-2 Educator Guide.

SPEAKERS:
Steven Smith (Education Specialist II: La Porte, TX), Miranda Fike (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center: Huntsville, AL)

Project-Based Learning and the Diverse Learner

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
PBL and the Diverse Learning

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

We will share strategies, ideas, accommodations, and ways to adapt and obtain student collaboration and engagement through the lens of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) focus. Come learn strategies for including diverse learners in your project-based classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with ready-to-use resources and ideas for instruction with students with diverse needs focusing on project-based activities within the STEAM framework. These ideas can be adapted to lessons in many content areas.

SPEAKERS:
Theresa Robertson (Middle School STEM teacher: Platte City, MO), Sandy Carr (Lorenzo ISD / EPEC-SSA: Lubbock, TX)

From Classroom to Cosmos: Unraveling Light's Journey with Sensor-Based Experiments

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16-hxcbYERgn0PrGpiDKgfR0B8L9yAEPB/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=108339669602356975930&rtpof=true&sd=true
LSI How to Travel on an Interstellar Adventure (Jenny McCall).pptx.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Explore advanced space propulsion methods, from chemical to laser propulsion, in this hands-on session. Learn how light intensity changes with distance using PocketLab Voyager Sensors and laser pointers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain a deeper understanding of light and laser intensity variations with distance through engaging experiments and practical applications. Model how to implement the Pocketlab sensors and notebook into their curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Jenny McCall (Winburn Middle School, Fayette County Public Schools: Nicholasville, KY)

Using GIS to explore connections between forests and watersheds

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Granite



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
PowerPoint Slides Using GIS to Explore Connections Between Forests Watersheds
Access the complete 56-slide presentation as a PDF.
Unit Overview + Academic Standards Connections
This handout was shared in-person at the session. The front details the Forests, Water & People unit for Grades 9-10 (with Grades 6-8 variations) and provides and introduction on the accompanying GIS tool (made possible by the USDA Forest Service). The reverse highlights the NGSS, Common Core ELA, and C3 Framework content correlations for the unit shared. The unit shared is accessible via the QR code on the front and back of this handout.

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn about a free unit of instruction that uses a GIS data explorer tool from the USDA Forest Service to explore connections between forests and watersheds. You’ll have an opportunity to try out the activities and receive copies of three lesson plans connected to NGSS and CCSS.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will have the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to engage students in using cutting-edge GIS technology in learning about natural systems and the connection between forests and the water they drink. Walk away able to use these tools immediately in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Nagle (Project Learning Tree: Silver Spring, MD), Jaclyn Stallard (Sustainable Forestry Initiative: Washington, DC)

Sound and Waves (PS4) + Computational Thinking (CT): An Integrated K-8 Hands-On Approach Supporting the NGSS and CT

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2H



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA SLICE Sound and Waves 240321b.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Receive practical ideas to build understanding about how to combine hands-on activities and computational thinking skills as tools to understand the nature of sound and waves and support NGSS practices: analyze/interpret data, use computational thinking, construct explanations and design solutions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Offer ideas to integrate hands-on activities and computational thinking skills as tools to build confidence in, and understanding of, NGSS PS4-Sound and Waves. Provide examples about how we may advance teaching and learning in K-8 cross-disciplinary STEM and Computation education.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Robertson (East Tennessee State University: Johnson City, TN), Dylan Singleton (Student: Johnson City, TN), Chelsie Pratt (Instructor: Johnson City, TN), Michaela Slagle (Graduate Assistant: Johnson City, TN), Chihche Tai (East Tennessee State University: Johnson City, TN)

How to Implement PBL and Develop 21st Century Skills using STEAM Podcasts in the Classroom

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2F


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

In this interactive PBL experience, attendees will LISTEN to the STEAM podcast “Wow in the World”, WONDER to generate ideas, TINKER to choose a testable hypothesis, and MAKE a multimedia scientific inquiry or engineering design project in the free, private, and NGSS-aligned TinkerClass platform.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to streamline PBL instruction, manage the classroom to develop 21st Century skills, and excite K-5 students about hands-on scientific inquiry and engineering design using TinkerClass’ modular LISTEN, WONDER, TINKER, and MAKE experience.

SPEAKERS:
Carole Paterson (TinkerCast and Valley School of Ligonier: Laughlintown, PA), Twee Mac (Digital Associate Producer: Montclair, NJ)

How Small Is Small? Bringing Nanoscience into the Classroom

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2C


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Do you want your students to understand how current scientific research is relevant to their learning and has real world applications? We will present an accessible STEM curriculum, informed by current work in a university research lab, that integrates nanoscience phenomena with content standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about current research in the field of nanoscience and will gain access to a STEM curriculum package that draws on nanoscience to help all students in grades 5-8 make connections between STEM content and their everyday lives.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Kwan (teacher: San Diego, CA), Donna Terrasi (Saint Clement School: Chicago, IL), Silvia Kenna (Blessed Trinity Catholic School: Miami Springs, FL)

PreK-2nd grade Get OUTSIDE for Learning with 3-D & Transdisciplinary Lessons

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3F


STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

Experience PreK-2 lessons, learn outdoor classroom management, and hear philosophies from School in the Woods, a public school with an outdoor focus. Crosscurricular lessons that meet your standards with 3-D Learning through outdoor, hands-on, minds-on discovery. Turn your classroom inside OUT !

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will experience outdoor lessons to use with students to meet all areas of the curriculum (with indoor alternatives and in/out infusion ideas). Free nature notebook.

SPEAKERS:
Maurine Banzhaf (Colorado PLT advisory council: Woodland Park, CO), DeLene Hoffner (eleSTEMary: Colorado Springs, CO)

Customize Your Own Purposeful Solutions-Based Design Challenge

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 702



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation Slides
Resource list
Resource links to help “Customize Your Own Purposeful Solutions-based STEM QUEST Design Challenge”

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

After trying several K-12 solutions-based design challenges, choose one to customize for your students and environment. Adapt and leave ready to teach the entire QUEST (Question-Uncover-Explore-Solve-Teach). Written for Guam, these empower students to design projects that solve local problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will begin customizing one student-relevant purposeful design challenge QUEST, have access to many more, and will recognize the benefits of purposeful design challenges being part of a larger QUEST unit that requires intentional learning of STEM concepts and practices.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Arndt (Global GreenSTEM: Franktown, CO)

Fun with Force and Motion

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 607



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Acceleration War
Fun with Force and Motion Presentation
Lab Calculating Net Force
Lab Cars in Motion
Lab Newtons Laws

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Participants will engage in hands-on activities focused on force and motion concepts. Activities are easy set-ups, using low-cost household materials that promote inclusivity of all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be engaged in multiple activities that promote learning and inclusivity of all students. Necessary materials and best teaching practices will be shared so that attendees can immediately incorporate knowledge and activities into their own classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Andrea Starks (Houston Middle School: Germantown, TN)

NSELA-Sponsored Session: Using the Dimensions of Success Framework to Support Authentic, Equitable, & Relevant Middle School Science Learning Opportunities

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 601



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Using the Dimensions of Success for Authentic, Equitable, and Relevant Learning

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Are you looking for an evidence-based framework for observing science classrooms and giving feedback to teachers? Learn how the NSF-funded DoS observation system can help coaches and educators develop a common language to speak about productive science learning in MS classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science leaders will learn to use DoS, which integrates the Framework for K-12 and equity, to build the capacity of colleagues in their districts to use a structured method and shared language to observe classrooms and give feedback to teachers about areas of strength and opportunities for growth.

SPEAKERS:
Virginia Andrews (Institute for the Study of Resilience in Youth), Victoria Oliveira (Researcher: Belmont, MA)

Culturally Inclusive Practices in STEAM: Nurturing Diversity, Fostering Excellence

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2G



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
DynamicDuo Culturally Inclusive Strategies Presentation Materials

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Join us for an enlightening session where we delve into the profound role of culture in STEAM education. Discover why embracing cultural diversity is not just essential, but transformative. You'll leave equipped with practical strategies and the confidence to create an inclusive learning environment!

TAKEAWAYS:
Why are culturally inclusive strategies important in STEAM classrooms? How can you synthesize strategies that challenge and engage a diverse group of learners? In this session, we will reveal a planning tool that you can use to advocate for learner success in STEAM classroom settings.

SPEAKERS:
Deanna Taylor (Interactive Learning Solutions LLC: Columbia, SC)

Fostering Equity and Diversity in STEM Classrooms through Holistic Assessment

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1E


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Discover how to promote equity and diversity in STEM classrooms through holistic assessment. Gain insights into fostering inclusivity, addressing bias, and ensuring fair evaluation practices. Leave with practical tools and strategies to create an inclusive learning environment for all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Unlock the joy of learning while promoting equity & diversity in STEM! Holistic assessment fosters inclusivity, tackles bias, & ensures fair evaluation. Let's create an exciting, inclusive environment where all students thrive in STEM!

SPEAKERS:
Augustine Owusu Achiaw (Graduate Assistant: Clemson, SC), Stephanie Tracey (Graduate Student: Clemson, SC)

Applications of virtual reality (VR) learning as classroom tools

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2A


Show Details

In this workshop, we introduce and explore applications of virtual reality (VR) learning resources as tools to help students connect with a dataset, incorporate accessible placed-based learning into classrooms, and communicate the nature of science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about three different application models of VR by engaging with VR tours in the context of climate science lessons developed by education and outreach specialists from the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Griffith (University of Colorado Boulder: Montpelier, VT), Daniela Pennycook (Communication Specialist and Program Integrator: Boulder, CO)

Organizing Small Group Classroom Talk to Hear All Students’ Ideas: Equity-focused 3D Formative Assessment Through Talk

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 108/110



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BWXCwDke1Uoukfdu67Pj4dNfhdpFHsdx

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Talk is fundamental to learning. This workshop engages participants in a variety of talk strategies specifically designed for improving classroom equity while engaging in STEM learning experiences. Many supporting resources are shared that teachers can learn from and directly use with students.

TAKEAWAYS:
The goal of this session is to support teachers in understanding how best to meet the needs of all learners by starting from where students are at and drawing on their intuitive ideas and real world experiences to inform instruction. All strategies are framed as equitable 3D formative assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison (University of Washington: Salt Spring Island, BC), Kelsie Fowler (University of Washington: Seattle, WA)

Exploding Frog Eggs and Water Channels

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 501


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Explore the movement of water with an interactive Aquaporin model to connect the molecular structure with protein function – and learn about this exciting phenomenon.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Water Can Do Work - Exploring Hydropower and Ocean Energy

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 606


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: The NEED Project

Inquiry-based, hands-on STEM and critical thinking activities that help students to develop a comprehensive understanding of energy, electricity, hydropower, and emerging ocean technologies.

SPEAKERS:
Vernon Kimball (NEED Facilitator: Manassas, VA)

Developing and Using Instructional Models in Math and Science (Grades K-5)

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 303


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Models are tools for representing ideas and developing explanations related to phenomena. Models can be used to deepen student understanding of scientific and math concepts. You will identify connections to the use of models in your instruction while examining your state standards and/or frameworks.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Thompson (Accelerate Learning, Inc.: Grapevine, TX)

Modeling DNA to Protein: Go Hands on with Protein Synthesis and Mutation

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 401


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Teach protein synthesis using reusable magnetic manipulatives to model the flow of information through DNA translation and transcription. Visualize each step of the process and apply their models to a region on the beta-hemoglobin gene and the mutation associated with sickle-cell disease.

SPEAKERS:
Ryan Hainey (Product Manager of Biotechnology, Genetics, and Forensics: Burlington, NC)

Hidden Gems: What to Do with Inherited Vernier Sensors

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 301


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discovered new-to-you Vernier sensors in your classroom or storage? Join our beginner-friendly, interactive workshop to help you understand how to assess, calibrate, and start using hands-on Vernier solutions. Explore our suite of sensors and how they work with our Graphical Analysis app.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Nüsret Hisim (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Cultivating Middle School Inquiry Skills Through Interactive STEM Experiments

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 302


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discover hands-on approaches to STEM learning that equip middle schoolers for high school and beyond. Attendees will explore updated activities with the Vernier Go Direct® temperature, light, force, and gas pressure sensors to model real-world phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
David Carter (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Josh Ence (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Cultivating Curiosity: Engaging elementary lessons with Fast Plants that integrate science, math, and literacy learning—a hands-on workshop

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 402


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Learn easy strategies for teaching life cycles, plants’ needs, structures & functions, & SEPs with Fast Plants phenomena. Learn techniques for growing Fast Plants, modeling germination, & investigating what plants need. Take away an elementary reader to accompany the flowering plant life cycle.

SPEAKERS:
Hedi Lauffer (Wisconsin Fast Plants Program: Larkspur, CO)

Put the M into STEM: Quantitative Techniques for Biotechnology

Thursday, March 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 407


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

You’ve planned the experiment and collected data, now let’s discuss the best way to analyze it. In this workshop, we’ll use PCR and ELISA to bring quantitative data analysis and statistics to the lab. Mastery of these skills is crucial to prepare students for careers in biotechnology and STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Tom Cynkar (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Meet Me in the Middle: Middle-Level Share-a-Thon

Thursday, March 21 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Participants will engage in a variety of activities, collect information, discover new resources, and network with middle-level leaders from NSTA and NMLSTA. The new ideas and materials will be something that can be used next week.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will have networking opportunities with other middle-level science educators, both presenters and other attendees. In addition, they will discover new resources for all aspects of science teaching and they will engage in a variety of new activities to use with their students.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Lou Lipscomb (National Middle Level Science Teachers Association: Naperville, IL)

Writing for Science Scope

Thursday, March 21 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


Show Details

Interested in writing for Science Scope? Come talk to the editor!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn tips and tricks for successful manuscript submission

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Patty McGinnis (NSTA: Brevard, NC)

Answers to your Biggest Questions About Teaching Middle school Science

Thursday, March 21 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Building a science community in your classroom. Strategies and resources for increasing engagement in doing and talking about science.

TAKEAWAYS:
This resource will help you build a positive science community, structure and manage your class, engage students in science, help students talk about science, and understand what students know so you can use that information to plan and move them forward.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Shafer, PhD (Knowles Teacher Initiative: Davis, CA)

NOAA Ocean Service Education

Thursday, March 21 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

With NGSS and Common Core-aligned teaching guides and materials, tutorials, hands-on activities, PD and funding opportunities, NOS Education supports the teaching of ocean, coastal, climate, and Earth science at all student levels, and engages students and communities in hands-on stewardship.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about new and exciting data-driven, standard-aligned NOS Education resources to enhance their ocean, climate, Earth science content knowledge, and facilitate their planning and delivery of interactive, phenomena-based, age appropriate, classroom, and out of doors programs via a

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Moravchik (NOAA National Ocean Service: Rockville, MD)

SAT: Strategies for Utilizing the Word Wall to create a more Equitable Classroom

Thursday, March 21 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

We will share the development of the Word Wall in our Science Classrooms and how they became interactive and informative to all of our Students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will walk away with an idea to support the use of scientific vocabulary for a diverse classroom of learners.

SPEAKERS:
Dawn Konieczny (Brooks Middle School: Bolingbrook, IL), Kim Nagle (Brooks Middle School: Manhattan, IL)

Materials That Impact and Change Our World

Thursday, March 21 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Come and explore ways to integrate materials science across your science curriculum with the University of Wisconsin Materials Research Science and Engineering Center. Take sample science kits and access to plans and resources to support students exploration of the materials that improve our lives.

TAKEAWAYS:
Create sample kits to take to your classrooms, access virtual resources and talk with MRSEC staff about the awesomeness of materials science!

SPEAKERS:
Shelly Grandell (Assistant Director of Education and Outreach: Ixonia, WI)

eCYBERMISSION - 6th-9th Grade STEM Competition

Thursday, March 21 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

eCYBERMISSION’s virtual STEM competition for 6th-9th graders promotes self-discovery as teams compete for awards while also supporting teachers with a wealth of resources. eCYBERMISSION's table will provide details regarding the competition along with a fun interactive activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Throughout the competition, students and teachers are provided access to eCYBERMISSION staff, standards-aligned resources, grant opportunities and much more.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Kutsch (National Science Teaching Association, eCYBERMISSION: Maumelle, AR)

SAT Climate Solutions Activities and Other Middle School Resources from the UCAR Center for Science Education

Thursday, March 21 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

We will share climate solutions activities from our catalog of free educational resources. We will also share information about free virtual programming suitable for grades 6 and up, as well as upcoming teacher professional development for middle level educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain new resources for teaching middle school students about climate solutions, and discover virtual learning opportunities for both teachers and students, offered by the UCAR Center for Science Education.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Snode-Brenneman (UCAR Center for Science Education: Boulder, CO), Tim Barnes (Science Education Specialist: Boulder, CO), Melissa Rummel (UCAR Center for Science Education: Boulder, CO)

Effective Assessment CONSTRUCTion for All Students

Thursday, March 21 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

We share the newest results of a study on effective multiple-choice questions in STEM education. We examined Science educators’ revisions to help reduce problems such as gender/racial/ethnic bias, and difficulty that are often present in test questions, while including common misconceptions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Evaluate assessment questions that you use to assess students’ sensemaking of elements outlined in the NGSS DCIs. Are the questions free of bias, not too difficult, or indicative of overall student performance? Do they include common misconceptions that students hold? Learn what works, and what does

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Crockett (Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian: Antrim, NH)

Classroom-ready digital content and creator tools from NASA's Infiniscope project

Thursday, March 21 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

This presentation will highlight the free resources available for educators through the NASA Infiniscope project. This includes NGSS-designed digital learning experiences, a virtual tour creator, and an adaptive lesson builder all supported with live and asynchronous professional development.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about classroom-ready content that they can use immediately and tools to create their own digital content for students.

SPEAKERS:
Sina Kirk (ASU: Tempe, AZ)

Energy House

Thursday, March 21 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

This STEM project from www.need.org will challenge students to use various materials to insulate a cardboard house, test its energy efficiency, and evaluate economic returns.

TAKEAWAYS:
Energy House is a STEM project from www.need.org that challenges students to design an energy efficient home with a cardboard box. The students must stick to time, budget, and materials constraints, which makes this an excellent engineering design project.

SPEAKERS:
Cori Nelson (Winfield School District 34: Hinckley, IL)

"SAT" Resources, Resources, and More Resources!

Thursday, March 21 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Do you find yourself falling down the Google rabbit hole when searching for lesson ideas? We have a time-saving solution. Participants will gain access to a newly compiled list of numerous resources for middle level science teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be given access to a list of resources compiled specifically for middle level science educators.

SPEAKERS:
Kathleen Brooks (CREC: Westbrook, CT)

SAT: Championing Diversity & Innovation: Girls Who Code's Strategies to Recruit for and Design Inclusive STEM Programs in Today's Evolving Tech World

Thursday, March 21 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Join Girls Who Code for strategies and tools on how to a) recruit and retain girls and BIPOC students in STEM, b) design inclusive holistic programs that build life skills, c) keep your curricula relevant to the changing tech landscape, and d) access free resources for 3-12th graders of all genders.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn strategies and tools on how to a) recruit and retain girls and BIPOC students in STEM, b) design inclusive holistic programs that build life skills, c) keep your curricula relevant to the changing tech landscape, and d) access free resources for 3-12th graders of all genders.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Ong (Girls Who Code: New York, NY)

Decoding Starlight – From Photons to Pixels to Images Using NASA Data Sets

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 708



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Chandra X-Ray Observatory
Decoding Starlight - From Photons to Pixels.pdf
JS9 Image Analysis Tools

STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Construct a photon intensity map of a supernova using NASA data and convert the image into a public release image with this STEAM activity. This introduction to imaging and image analysis involves constructing models, interpretation, and computational thinking. Includes detailed tutorials.

TAKEAWAYS:
Photons of electromagnetic radiation of all wavelengths are collected by telescopes and processed using computers. Scientists use image analysis software to analyze the data and construct unique models of the data, including stars and galaxies, while maintaining the integrity of the underlying data.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young (NSO/NASA: Laughlin, NV)

Chemistry Storylines: Northwestern University Materials World Modules (MWM)

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom H


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Chemistry storylines supporting phenomena-based curriculum and alignment to Next Generation Science Standards. High school chemistry teachers partnered with Northwestern University Materials Research Center to design and implement two new modules— STEM+C Solar Cell Project and SCI+Art Project.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how NGSS inquiry and design pedagogy can be used with Materials World Modules. Each module connects everyday phenomena to NGSS performance expectations, emphasizing how to build toward design and engineering skills. Presenters will share modifications to meet varying academic levels.

SPEAKERS:
Ami LeFevre (Niles West High School: Skokie, IL)

In Sync: Using Science to Teach SEL

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1F


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

SEL does not have to be something additional to teach! Learn how to purposefully incorporate SEL skills in your science classroom. Leave with practical ways to make powerful lessons that captivate your future scientists and cultivate those skills that are essential for success beyond the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Practical ways to make powerful science lessons that captivate future scientists and also cultivate those SEL skills that are essential for success beyond the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Dawn McCotter (Van Andel Institute for Education: Grand Rapids, MI)

Place-Based Education in Urban Schoolyards: Engaging Students’ Hands, Heads, and Hearts

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA 3H presentation (2).pptx

STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

Urban elementary teachers and researchers will share successes from the NSF-funded Teaching Science Outdoors – Urban Partnerships project, describe their experiences fostering place-based science learning that is hands-on, heads-on, and hearts-on, and offer ideas to use in your instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the value of the 3H framework (hands-on, heads-on, and hearts-on) in place-based science learning using urban spaces. They will leave the session with real-life examples, resources, and ideas shared by teachers using the framework in their work with students.

SPEAKERS:
Kieshaune Perkins (Teacher: Saginaw, MI), Roberta Hunter (Research Associate: Franklin Park, NJ)

Embracing Discovery: Model Organisms as Teaching Tools

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3B


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Discover the world of epigenetics and model organisms in this fast-paced, engaging session. Learn about 5 different model organisms and how they can be used in your classroom. Real-life examples will be given, and resources provided for you to bring model organisms to your students!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about 5 different model organisms and will be given real examples, as well as resources for them to take to their classrooms and incorporate into their curriculum, inspiring the next generation of scientists!

SPEAKERS:
Cory Kavanagh (Van Andel Institute: Grand Rapids, MI)

Explore the Role Bivalves Play in Sustaining Watershed Ecosystems

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1B


STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

We’ll share 5 free online modules that engage students in the importance oysters and mussels play in watersheds via field studies, role plays scenarios, and a dynamic simulation. This NOAA-funded MWEE effort has students investigate, collaborate, and debate solutions to authentic problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers gain awareness of and access to OER support curriculum and student exemplars developed across a 3-year grant aligned with the 3 dimensions of NGSS and NOAA’s meaningful watershed educational experience framework. The modules were piloted across 3 diverse school districts (urban and rural).

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Edmondson (Virginia Commonwealth University: Richmond, VA), Al Byers (AB Advising: Ashburn, VA)

Exploring Environmental Challenges Through Engineering

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2E


STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Environmental issues, such as plastic pollution in the ocean, are often global in scale and thus overwhelming for students to consider. We’ll explore how engineering can frame these problems so that they are manageable for students to solve in the classroom while remaining relevant to global issues.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to apply socially engaged engineering to environmental problems using free lessons from the Museum of Science, Boston. Experience open-ended design challenges that get students thinking about large-scale environmental issues while building their confidence in solving problems.

SPEAKERS:
Darshita Shah (Senior Director of Curriculum: Boston, MA)

Best Practices for ALL from Presidential Awardees

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3F


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Each will identify grade level, core disciplinary ideas (science content standards), Science & Engineering Practice and Crosscutting concepts. Participants will leave with lessons plans, websites, grants ideas and other resources. Over 14 PAs will bring best practices from their varied expertise.

TAKEAWAYS:
K-12 teachers will leave with lessons plans, websites, grant ideas, and other resources from Presidential Awardees.

SPEAKERS:
DeLene Hoffner (eleSTEMary: Colorado Springs, CO)

Celebrating Student Identity with Coding

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 710



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation Slides

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Learn how to help your students build upon their unique identity and funds of knowledge using a hands on STEM project. This session will provide participants a free unit that incorporates both engineering design and computational thinking patterns for students to share their identity in class!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will work through a full engineering design process to show their identity by constructing a lantern and coding a light show for the project. Can be utilized with a variety of technology and maker platforms. Includes access to all materials needed to implement in class tomorrow!

SPEAKERS:
Erin Brabant (STEM Lab: Westminster, CO), Jessica Noffsinger (STEM Magnet Lab School: Westminster, CO)

Implementing the Knowledge Gained from a Research Experience for Teachers (RET) in Your STEM Classroom

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Mineral Hall A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation NSTA.pptx

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Participants in this session will leave with a STEM inquiry-based project and educational materials designed to captivate students while emphasizing 21st-century scientific applications and UN sustainable goals. Additionally, a list of potential RET opportunities for educators will be provided.

TAKEAWAYS:
Sharing how the RET experience has led to the production of a project that integrates nitrogen cycle pollution into a nitrogen circular economy, where the project's primary focus was on critical topics such as energy, climate, and food security; important topics to empower high school students.

SPEAKERS:
Milene De Farias (Southcrest Christian School: Lubbock, TX)

Teaching Biology Through the Lenses of Aviation and Aeronautics

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2C


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Looking to increase achievement in an immersive way? The Air Camp Team will demonstrate how to harness the universal appeal of flight by captivating students with lessons and engaging activities rooted in biology standards while exploring exciting and fast-growing aviation career fields!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn strategies to construct activities resulting in greater interest and mastery of biology for students in grades K-12. Explore distinct professional practices that expand biology standards into unforgettable learning experiences associated with human life, animals, plant life, and so much more!

SPEAKERS:
Christina Davis (Air Camp USA, Inc.: Dayton, OH)

Beams & Bridges - From Load-Deflection to Stress-Strain Curves

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 711



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Denver - Beams to Bridges.pptx

STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

A hands-on beam lab produces graphs critical to understanding beam properties for engineering. Focus on making, interpreting, and teaching the graphs in class. Real-world uses and applications of stress-strain curves in engineering will be shared and help to illustrate the importance of such graphs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will take part in a simple beam lab using weights to determine the deflection of the beam material. Groups will have different beams and varying results will help support understanding of the graphs created. The results will then be graphed as a load-deflection curve and shared.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Spohler (Global Impact STEM Academy: Springfield, OH), Briana Richardson (Washington High School: Columbus, OH)

STEM in the Early Years: Intentionally integrating technology for meaningful teaching and learning

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3G


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Educators will engage in a hands-on science lesson that intentionally incorporates technology, centers students and builds agency and critical thinking skills. Educators will discuss what it means to be literate in the digital era and how to transform their teaching to benefit our youngest learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Intentional integration of technology in early childhood can build agency in our students, provide equitable access to media literacy skills, and transform teaching and learning. Participants will explore how to use digital tools to develop habits of inquiry and expression.

SPEAKERS:
Zachary Orefice (GEMS-Net, University of Rhode Island: High Point, NC), Catherine Knasas (University of Rhode Island: Attleboo, MA), Kelly Houle (The University of Rhode Island: Wakefield, RI)

Algorithm alleys: Strategies to elevate Science and Engineering Practices using ChatGPT

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 703



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Presentation, Algorithm alleys Strategies to elevate Science and Engineering Practices using ChatGPT.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Explore the application of ChatGPT to facilitate student choice, interest, and motivation and to address science and engineering practices! Investigate ChatGPT’s capacity to inform design decisions through inquisitive exploration, creative brainstorming, and interpretive lenses.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore how ChatGPT elevates science and engineering practices through the investigation of problems, topics, and phenomena; creative brainstorming options; generation of experiments with conceptual and hypothetical results; and interpretation of data for product improvement.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Kipp (Texas A&M: McAllen, TX)

Culture Place-Based Strategies To Explain Phenomenon

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Mineral Hall C


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Using myths and legends which explain phenomenon. Examples of culture and place of Hawaii will be shared. Attendees will experience a lesson which weaves a Hawaiian legend (past) based on a phenomenon and be challenged to validate the legend with today's technology (present).

TAKEAWAYS:
The hope is for attendees to reflect on their sense of "Place" as a platform tool to engage students to understand their surroundings and cultures and how to use 21st century technology to validate a phenomenon.

SPEAKERS:
Diane Tom-Ogata (W. R. Farrington High School: Honolulu, HI)

Science Leadership Cadre: Motivating Science Education

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 705


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Science Leadership Cadre: A Professional Learning network of K-12 Science Educators committed to supporting high quality, equitable science learning for all students in our region.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to bring teachers, teacher leaders, coaches, and administrators together to learn, share resources and ideas, and provide support to each other in the work to successfully implement high-quality science teaching for K-12 students.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Peason (Associate Director of Science Education Outreach: Pittsford, NY), Ananda Weigand-Sheerer (teacher leader: Rochester, NY), Michael Occhino (The Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development: Rochester, NY), Kimberly Fluet (Associate Director of Science Education Outreach: Rochester, NY)

eCYBERMISSION STEM Competition - The Power of Phenomenon-Based Learning

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 106


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

eCYBERMISSION, part of AEOP, is an online STEM competition for students in grades 6-9 that promotes teamwork, self-discovery, and the real-life applications of STEM. The competition’s phenomenon-based learning approach encourages students to investigate and solve real-world problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
eCYBERMISSION is a free virtual STEM competition for grades 6-9 that is supported by a wealth of standards-aligned resources. Attendees will discover strategies to utilize student-chosen local phenomena as the basis for long-term projects while participating in a rewarding STEM competition.

SPEAKERS:
Carey Dieleman (National Science Teaching Association: Bettendorf, IA), Lora Gibbons (Utah Education Network: Stansbury Park, UT), Laura Stary (Southcrest Christian School: Lubbock, TX), Brian Kutsch (National Science Teaching Association, eCYBERMISSION: Maumelle, AR)

Fail-Safe Literacy Strategies for Science

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4C


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Join us as we explore classroom activities that engage students in thinking, exploring, and making sense of the world using an integrated science and literacy approach. Learn how to use our 5 thinking routines to collect assessment evidence to support student learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants gain a toolkit of engaging science activities strategically paired with literacy strategies to enhance instructional effectiveness and empower students to develop essential thinking routines to tackle scientific challenges, because together this approach 'just works' in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Lionel Sandner (Edvantage Interactive: Victoria, BC), Sandra Mirabelli (Brock University: Mississauga, ON)

NASA Next Gen STEM 101

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NASAs Next Gen STEM 101

STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

NASA's Next Gen STEM is focused on bringing quality STEM content and experiences to the K-12 community. Join this informative session to learn what we have to offer and how you can bring NASA to your students. Presented by NASA's Office of STEM Engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about NASA Next Gen STEM offerings related to professional development, STEM lessons, communities of practice, live virtual connections with scientists and engineers, student challenges and competitions, and competitive awards.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Edstrom (NASA Education Specialist: Huntsville, AL), Miranda Fike (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center: Huntsville, AL)

Chasing Clouds: Quantifying the Sky

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2F


STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

When students engage in integrated math activities, they make deeper connections, gain a stronger understanding of concepts, and see the concepts as a whole. Teachers in K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 will collaborate on an integrated math activity focused on determining cloud coverage to connect with nature.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be provided lesson plans and student work to initiate discussions about what this could look like in their classrooms. At the end of the session, participants will see how collecting weather data can be integrated daily into their classrooms and help students connect with nature.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Parslow (Student: Ogden, UT), Katherine Vela (Assistant Professor: Price, UT)

Place-Based Learning: Answering "But What Does This Have To Do With Me?"

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4B


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Has a student ever asked, “what does this have to do with me?” Place-Based Learning is a way to answer that question as students build observation, inquiry, and data analysis skills. Workshop presenters will share examples from their STEAM classrooms. Participants will complete a mini investigation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will feel empowered to incorporate Place-Based Learning in STEAM curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Anna Suggs (Teacher: La Mesa, NM), Gaylynn Lynch (Eastside Preparatory School: Bothell, WA), Amanda Petty (Bryan ISD Texas: College Station, TX)

Microfossils reveal secrets of Earth’s past

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 709


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Through hands-on activities using real-world data, participants will explore and participate in lessons about how microfossils within ocean floor sediments reveal information about Earth’s history and geologic processes, such as tectonic activity and climate change.

TAKEAWAYS:
The International Ocean Discovery Program creates educational resources that enable students to use real-world data from parts of our planet usually hidden to them; many of these resources can be synthesized as a unit to show how microfossils provide evidence of many different geologic processes.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsay Mossa (American Geosciences Institute: ANNAPOLIS, MD), Lauren Brase (American Geosciences Institute: Westmont, IL), Sequoyah McGee (American Geosciences Institute: Herico, VA), Ed Robeck (American Geosciences Institute: Salisbury, MD), Maya Pincus (Columbia University / U.S. Science Support Program: Palisades, NY)

Taking the Plunge into the Science & Engineering Practices

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Taking the Plunge into the Science & Engineering Practices.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

In this session, we will examine the skills that scientists and engineers utilize in their work and explore ways to incorporate these with our students. Participants will move through stations that employee the use of different science and engineering practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will have a better understanding of the science and engineering practices and learn ways to create small shifts in their lesson planning to give students authentic experiences in science.

SPEAKERS:
Kayla Boykin (Science Specialist: Pine Level, NC)

Discovering Indigenous Peoples STEM Skills

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2C


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Indigenous peoples throughout time have used STEM skills. This workshop features the STEM skills correlated with the Ute peoples of Colorado as an example of how all indigenous people STEM skills can be highlighted in social studies class content.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will experience how History Colorado developed Ute indigenous peoples STEM connections into a traveling take-out kit. Participants will be encouraged to explore collaboration with their history museums to encourage development of resources focused on their indigenous peoples.

SPEAKERS:
Maurine Banzhaf (Colorado PLT advisory council: Woodland Park, CO)

Promoting Whole-Group Classroom Talk to Support Students’ Collaborative Sensemaking: Equity-focused 3D Formative Assessment Through Talk

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 108/110



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BWXCwDke1Uoukfdu67Pj4dNfhdpFHsdx

Show Details

Collaborative talk between students is essential to students’ scientific sensemaking and learning. However, promoting, organizing, and facilitating large group, or even whole-class, talk can be challenging. This workshop engages participants in a variety of large group talk strategies.

TAKEAWAYS:
The goal of this session is to provide a space for teachers to reflect on their whole-class discussion routines and strategies, and learn new approaches for facilitating collaborative sensemaking talk that welcomes all learners into discussions, honors their ideas, and contextualizes learning.

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison (University of Washington: Salt Spring Island, BC), Kelsie Fowler (University of Washington: Seattle, WA)

Designing a Sustainable Golf Course

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 606


STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEM Sports®

STEM Sports' session will provide participants with a hands-on approach to learning STEM disciplines through Sports. Attendees will take on the role of students and be given an overview of how to design a sustainable golf course by considering the good of the planet, people, and profitability.

SPEAKERS:
Jeff Golner (STEM Sports®)

Journey from Sequence to Structure with Amino Acids Unveiled!

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 501


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Decode the language of proteins! Unveil the mystery of amino acids and protein folding with confidence through hands-on modeling.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Arnholt (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Promote Collaboration with a Classroom Rocket Mission Simulation

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 503


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Estes Rockets

This session highlights a model rocket mission simulation where students work together to complete a successful launch of the New Shepard rocket. Students consider thrust, altitude, and velocity to determine the best engine for the launch.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Freyschlag (Estes Industries: Colorado Springs, CO), Kristen Yip (Club for the Future: Seattle, WA)

Reactant Riddles: A Vernier Forensic Case

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 301


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Students can become crime scene investigators analyzing and defusing a “bomb” using their knowledge of half-lives! Attendees will use the Vernier Go Direct® SpectroVis® Plus Spectrophotometer to gather decay data and apply mathematical thinking to determine when the device was set to detonate.

SPEAKERS:
Nüsret Hisim (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Eco Engineers: Building Wind Turbines with KidWind

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 302


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discover how to create 3D learning opportunities for your students with KidWind. Explore the engineering design elements of a wind turbine, build prototypes, and test and optimize them for design efficiency. Sharpen students’ problem-solving and engineering skills through real-world applications.

SPEAKERS:
Josh Ence (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), David Carter (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Megawatt: An interactive way for students to learn about energy.

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 610/612


STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Nuclear Energy Education Initiative

Megawatt is a card game where students must build resilient, sustainable electricity grids while adapting to events like weather changes and carbon taxes. Players gain systems thinking skills as they balance cost, environment impact, and energy reliability tradeoffs. Learn to facilitate in a class!

SPEAKERS:
Miguel Trenkel-Lopez (Game Creator & Science Communicator: Bristol, England, United Kingdom)

Heavy metal: Investigating the effects of environmental toxins on C. elegans

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 407


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Unlock biology's mysteries with model organisms! Join our workshop to learn how to culture and study C. elegans in your classroom laboratory. Explore heavy metal effects using a simple locomotion assay. Integrate STEM concepts, data collection, and statistics for an enriching learning experience.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Tom Cynkar (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Creating a Science Classroom Podcast 101 with COESEE

Thursday, March 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 111/113


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Former teacher and host of the freely-available Tumble Science Podcast for Kids Marshall Escamilla will guide science educators in the nuts and bolts of creating a classroom podcast. We’ll cover the very basics of getting set up and sharing your content with the entire community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees at this session will learn the very basics of how to create a classroom podcast from a professional podcaster.

SPEAKERS:
Marshall Escamilla (Tumble Media Production: Greenfield, MA), Mary Starr (Michigan Mathematics and Science Leadership Network: Plymouth, MI)

A Picture of the National STEM Education Policy Landscape

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 102/104



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
STEM Landscape March 2024.pptx

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

STEM Policy Expert Jame Brown will paint a picture of the federal public policy landscape for STEM education generally and science education in particular, including emerging policies in Congress and the federal government and the outlook for the future.

TAKEAWAYS:
Get smart on what’s going on in Washington, DC around STEM education and how it can impact the science education ecosystem and your local community.

SPEAKERS:
James Brown (STEM Education Coalition: Washington, DC)

Help Your Students with Investigations: Increase Their Quality of Observations and Analysis

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3H


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn how to build upon the NGSS SEPs so that students get more out of investigations and labs. Using hands-on explorations, students can learn to improve their collection and analysis of data – along with the communication of the results and learning. These strategies will make a difference.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session provides teacher strategies and resources to support students with investigations and labs. The quality of observations and analysis of scientific data can be enhanced, thus helping students communicate their findings to others.

SPEAKERS:
Jason Harding (CLEAPSS / Kings College London: Crstal Beach, TX)

Immersive STEM Lab Challenges That Transform Your Whole Space: The "Who Did It?" Black Light Challenge and the Mad Scientist Escape Room

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1E


STRAND: Lesson Showcase

Show Details

These immersive STEM lab challenges will engage students by allowing them to explore through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic stimuli. Each student grouping will navigate with their team members to collect evidence and clues to piece together the narrative of each scenario.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be able to design immersive lessons that go beyond the design process based on multiple STEM skills utilized throughout the school year. These lessons will optimize student engagement and enhance their problem-solving skills.

SPEAKERS:
Brielle Jost (Millstone Township Elementary School: Freehold, NJ)

The Incorporation of Menus into Science Class

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Menus Presentation
This is the presentation used for this session.

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Menus are great opportunities for students to lead their own exploration of a science topic and be creative! In this workshop, learn the incredible flexibility in learning that menus offer, and how they can drive student interest. Delve into various menu styles and rubrics, and enhance your lessons!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn different menu styles for effective integration into 5E lesson plans, such as adding a menu into the Elaborate phase, or even menus to be used throughout all 5Es. We will also explore different menu formats (online, etc.) and presentation options to maintain student interest.

SPEAKERS:
Rama Sreekantham (Paragon Prep School: Austin, TX)

Four Levels of Empowered Engineering

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 603


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Knowles Engineering teachers co-developed and piloted a scaffolded framework for integrating social justice into engineering design that we are excited to share with the NSTA community. Come ready to explore how to empower your science students through intentional engineering curriculum design!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will interact with examples of empowered engineering curriculum, as well as apply the framework to their own classrooms. Teachers will leave with concrete ideas for how to incorporate more social justice work into their own engineering curriculum in manageable and expanding ways.

SPEAKERS:
Kylie Bertram (Science Teacher: Willingboro, NJ), Emily Berman (Global STEM Challenges Program: Washington, DC)

How Safe Are You? A Look at Cybersecurity in the Classroom

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3A


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Participants will have the opportunity to explore a cybersecurity unit for grades 4-5 with hands-on experiences including defending a home, cryptography, and more. Participants will experience the unit from a hybrid (student & teacher) perspective.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will receive access to unit materials when they leave including the unit, reproducibles, formative assessments, etc., to help their students be aware of safety online. Door prizes will be awarded!

SPEAKERS:
Jess Blust (White's Tower Elementary School: Independence, KY)

Science Night: Ten Proven Activities to Make Your STEM Fair a Bubbling, Exploring, Zooming, Color-Changing, Inquiry Experience!

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 607


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

It's science night again and you need an inexpensive, hands-on activity for somewhere between 50 and 1500 kids. We can help! Come experience ten “science night” booth activities that get kids involved, included, and active with informal science!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be resourced with 10+ science night ideas suitable for preK-12th, along with the science background and pedagogical content knowledge to deliver these to their students and parents in an inclusive and exciting way.

SPEAKERS:
Kate York (The University of Texas at Dallas: McKinney, TX), Katherine Donaldson (The University of Texas at Dallas: Rowlett, TX)

The Skull Comparison Investigation on a Budget!

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 702


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This essential biology investigation requires students to compare hominid skulls, studying the morphological changes as humans evolved. Skull models cost thousands of dollars. Do this important investigation for free with our slide presentation, student instructions, 2D skulls, and online resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
This essential biology investigation requires students to compare hominid skulls, studying the morphological changes as humans evolved. Skull models cost thousands of dollars. Do this important investigation for free with our slide presentation, student instructions, 2D skulls, and online resources.

SPEAKERS:
Bertha Vazquez (G. W. Carver Middle School: Coral Gables, FL)

Engineering Severe Weather Solutions

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3F



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Severe Weather - NSTA 2024.pdf

STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Harness the power of technology with student-designed solutions for a changing climate.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use technology to expose students to coding and engineering design solutions for severe weather.

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Scott, LA), Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD)

Real World Problems: STEM Solutions, a Student Perspective

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2G



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
STEM From a Students Perspective
My contact information, pictures of past inventions, details of competitions.

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Lydia Denton is a 15 year-old inventor. She has been nationally recognized for her inventions and was named one of the 16 Under 16 in STEM in 2022, and was a 2022 NSTA Angela Award winner. Join her as she shares her journey and how you can encorage innovation and problem solving in your own classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how empowering students to tackle real-world problems in their community can increase student engagement, foster skills in perserverance, and draw on multiple skills to create prototypes for real-world solutions.

SPEAKERS:
Lydia Denton (Wilson Early College Academy: Wilson, NC), Covey Denton (Greenfield School: Wilson, NC)

Modeling Mayhem in a 7th Grade Classroom: Using Multiple Modeling Perspectives to Explain Phenomenon

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2E


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn how a class studying local ecosystems as part of a community science project utilizes multiple modeling approaches, including embodied modeling, system modeling with SageModeler, and data analysis using CODAP to enhance learning, contribute to research, and raise environmental awareness.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using multiple modeling approaches throughout the year improves understanding and is more inclusive by providing multiple avenues for students to engage with core ideas and crosscutting concepts, as they engage in multiple NGSS practices, specifically those related to modeling and data analysis.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Damelin (The Concord Consortium: Bolton, MA), Angela Gospodarek (Gorham Middle School: Gorham, ME)

Girl Power: Powerful Ways to Motivate Girls in STEM

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2D


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Discover the recent research on females in STEM and learn how to take intentionally small, but powerful steps in your classroom to ensure that our future female problem-solvers have the confidence, encouragement, and motivation to change the world, one STEM field at a time!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will discover the current reseach regarding girls in STEM, hear from female scientists from the Van Andel Institute, and leave with four powerful ways to increase female student interest, motivation, and confidence in these fields.

SPEAKERS:
Dawn McCotter (Van Andel Institute for Education: Grand Rapids, MI)

Educurious and Supporting 3D Learning Through Technology; Productive Adaptations in PBL: Focus on Formative Assessment

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4B


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Participants will explore technology integrated project-based units that guide and support 3D Learning and equity through adaptations by highlighting formative assessment opportunities (LookFors, Discourse Moves, Exit Tickets, Artifacts).

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will become familiar with open source online materials that they can use to supplement or guide their science teaching and units. They will become familiar with technology, assessments, and ways to adapt lesson and units to make them more responsive to their students.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Codere (CREATE for STEM Institute, Michigan State University, Retired: Lansing, MI), Temitayo Oni (PhD Student: Athens, GA)

Teaching Engineering, Motion, and Energy Through Rube Goldberg

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1B


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This introduction to STEM for elementary, secondary, or special education classrooms will allow participants to explore motion and energy while creating their own Rube Goldberg machine using found objects.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students can easily plan, build, and solve problems on their own Rube Goldberg project using recycled and found materials.

SPEAKERS:
Elaine Sevin (Isidore Newman School: New Orleans, LA)

Using STEM for Deeper Understanding of Literature

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
STEM for deeper understanding of lit.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Conducting a novel study is a wonderful opportunity to develop some STEM activities that allow for practicing those skills while also developing a deeper understanding of the book being read. This session will share examples of projects and guide participants through developing their own project.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave the session with project ideas for integrating STEM into novel studies.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Bebell (7/8 Science teahcer: Blue Hill, ME)

How to Integrate 3D Instruction Through Meaningful Investigations

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 605


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This session introduces a way to create meaningful and authentic investigations for use in science classrooms that will help students learn the disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices at the same time.

TAKEAWAYS:
An opportunity for participants to experience an investigation that gives students an opportunity to use core ideas and practices from multiple disciplines to develop a solution to a problem.

SPEAKERS:
Victor Sampson (The University of Texas at Austin: Austin, TX)

Conserve It or List It? A Strategy for Student-Directed, Place-Based Learning

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3B


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn about Conserve It or List It, an exciting series of inquiry investigations driven by student questions that you can use to teach environmental and life science. You will participate in one of the experiments and receive the project guidelines as well as strategies for classroom implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Conserve It or List It is an exciting way to engage students in environmental and life science through inquiry-based lessons driven by phenomena and student questions, with the goal of helping students invest in science and bringing the outdoors into classroom instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Sandra Ryack-Bell (Wade Institute for Science Education: Dartmouth, MA), Kathryn Atkins (Wade Institute for Science Education: Shelburne Falls, MA), Rachel Stronach (Lloyd Center for the Environment: Dartmouth, MA)

Using Retro Report in the Science Classroom: Tell the Story of the Ozone Layer

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Capitol Ballroom 6



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation Slideshow
This is the slideshow that was utilized during the session with all links
Retro Report Website
This is where you can browse all the other Retro Report resources.

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Explore Retro Report’s videos and the free, high-quality classroom resources that accompany them. Participants will view a 12-min documentary on the hole in the ozone layer and act as high school science students to examine the related lesson.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how Retro Report videos can be used to infuse multiple disciplines in the science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Jacqueline Katz (Science Supervisor: Ridgewood, NJ)

Spatial Skills: The Foundation ALL Students Need to Succeed in Science and How To Build Them

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1fMMXEkjHRCiKjLsmctcscFoSzPmRsfSkpq9t83t-eS4/edit#slide=id.g2c038f2cfa8_1_176

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Advanced spatial thinkers do well in science, and building spatial skills can improve achievement. In this session, we will explore why science teachers should care about spatial skills, pedagogical approaches to build these skills, and how they can be put into practice to build science knowledge.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will (1) understand what spatial skills are and why they are important for success in science, and (2) learn to identify how an NGSS performance expectation activates students to think spatially and how to leverage this to build scientific knowledge through engaging classroom practices.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Dupuis (Science instructional facilitator: Moravian falls, NC), Katie Stevenson (South Redford School District: Livonia, MI)

Climate Science Made Easy for Every Classroom and Every Child

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Climate Dice for 3d Printing
This link includes two climate dice. One has 2 warm sides, 2 average sides and 2 cold sides. The second die has 3 warm sides, 2 average and 1 cold. These .stl files can be printed by most 3d printers. There is also a worksheet that students can use to keep track of data as they roll the dice.

STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Discover how and at what point in the curriculum to teach climate change in the elementary NGSS classroom. Explore student-friendly online resources to engage students, science projects to deepen understanding, and the many ways to move forward with environmental stewardship.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers are introduced to “classroom-tested” climate change activities and online resources that they can use to engage and educate diverse learners. They will also learn how to inspire their students to take climate action, helping to decrease climate anxiety and increase a positive outlook.

SPEAKERS:
Samantha Levine (South Orangetown Central School District: Blauvelt, NY), Kottie Christie-Blick (University of San Diego: Tappan, NY), Jacob Tanenbaum (Cottage Lane Elementary School: Tappan, NY)

Supporting the Integration of Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) in Science Learning: The Next Gen ASET SEP Tools for Teachers

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3D


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Introducing the Next Gen ASET SEP tools created by university teacher educators and public school instructional specialists to: support teachers in understanding NGSS SEPs, facilitate curriculum development, and evaluate NGSS alignment with existing curricula.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will 1.) gain a deeper understanding of NGSS SEPs and their significance in science education, 2.) acquire practical skills to develop and assess curriculum in alignment with NGSS, and 3.) engage in collaborative discussions on effective SEP integration.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Stalker (Graduate Student: Colorado Springs, CO), Lin Xiang (University of Kentucky: Lexington, KY)

What Do You Do With an Idea?

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Wild idea design project

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

What is design? How do we teach it to young children? Get a glimpse into a design project for grades 2-5 inspired by What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada. Students explore their why through values, creativity, and open-mindedness to design and build an idea that will change the world.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to shift students' attention to their purpose, passions, and high-level thinking vs. just wanting to make something in a design or STEM class. Teach them how to share their amazing ideas with a pitch. Go through the process of exploring your “why” and creating your own "wild idea."

SPEAKERS:
Heidi Jaeckel (K-4 Science and Design Teacher: Boulder, CO)

Transforming STEM Education: Bringing Real-World Research into the Classroom with Research Experiences for STEM Educators & Teachers (RESET)

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 106


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Research Experiences for STEM Educators & Teachers (RESET) is dedicated to improving STEM education across the nation. This presentation is for middle/high school educators who want to experience real-world research & learn about how to translate their experience effectively into the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
The audience will leave with information about AEOP programs and how to become involved with the AEOP RESET program.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Moore (Tennessee Tech: Cookeville, TN), Leslie Suters (Tennessee Tech: Knoxville, TN), Jennifer Meadows (Tennessee Tech: Cookeville, TN)

FREE Resources and Strategies for Interdisciplinary Data Science Education

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3C


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Come discover how free, NSF-funded resources from The Concord Consortium and EL Education can bring literacy, math, and social studies into the science classroom through engaging students with authentic real-world datasets. Bring a device to this interactive session and take away tips and resources!

TAKEAWAYS:
Resources and strategies for interdisciplinary sensemaking through interactive data-exploration simulations and activities.

SPEAKERS:
Katherine Miller (Concord Consortium: Brooklyn, NY)

Engaging in Climate Science Education Through Connections to Everyday Life, Equity, and Justice

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 108/110



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Session 6 Materials (Google Drive): Engaging in Climate Science Education Throug
Session 9 Materials (Google Drive): Resources for Engaging in Climate Justice Ce

STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Climate change is here. Come explore ways to teach about this that intersect with issues of justice and provide action for the future. This workshop will support educators in all grades and contexts, including those who can’t even say “climate change”!

TAKEAWAYS:
Strategies for engaging in climate change and climate justice learning appropriate to grade band NGSS standards, climate and energy literacy standards, and for both school and community based learning contexts.

SPEAKERS:
Philip Bell (University of Washington: Seattle, WA), Deb Morrison (University of Washington: Salt Spring Island, BC), Kelsie Fowler (University of Washington: Seattle, WA)

The Plight of the Bumblebee: Studying Bee Genetic Biodiversity using DNA Barcoding

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 507


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Taxonomy in action: use visual cues and biotechnology techniques to sort bumblebees into separate species. Experience how PCR, sequencing, and bioinformatics help scientists distinguish bee species.

SPEAKERS:
Damon Tighe (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Oakland, CA)

Modeling Infection and Immunity - from Molecules to Cells

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 501


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Using innovative physical models and cellular landscape posters explore how flu, coronavirus and other virus can infect our cells and learn about new vaccine platforms.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Board games: a great way to develop environmental literacy and assuage eco-anxiety!

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 610/612


STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Adventerra Games North America LLC

Come play & hear from teachers using Adventerra’s unique games to engage students and achieve curricular goals while also addressing students’ eco-anxiety. Will include updates from a Johns Hopkins Univ. study on the effectiveness of our K-12 environmental education games in teaching eco concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Bryan Mundell (Founder: Paradiso, Switzerland), Lauren Kelly (Crowley ISD: Burleson, TX), Cynthia Crockett (Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian: Antrim, NH), Sue Mundell (Adventerra Games North America: Boston, MA)

Freaky Forensics: Solving a Mystery With Science

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 406


STRAND: Lesson Showcase

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

Embark on a journey into the world of forensic science using maggots, flies and flesh to solve a mystery! Imagine discovering a decomposing corpse in a field with four missing persons fitting the description. Who is it? This gripping session takes you on an adventure where using the clues found at the grim scene is the only way to discover the answers to your questions. Forensic anthropologist Diane France helped to develop this forensic science lesson that’s perfect for middle school and high school students.

SPEAKERS:
Erick Archer (Texas Instruments: Dallas, TX)

Urgent Lessons: Measuring the Effects of Climate Change

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 301


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Introduce new scientific concepts to your students by studying climate change phenomena. We'll discuss experiments that help students use data-collection technology to study climate change in the classroom, including an investigation into the effect of carbon dioxide on ocean and freshwater pH.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Nüsret Hisim (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Bright Ideas: Investigating Light Bulbs and Simple Circuits through Guided Inquiry

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 302


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Find out how you can set up simple circuits in a safe, effective way! We’ll walk you through guided-inquiry simple circuit lessons, with attention to both the student experience and the teacher’s view. You’ll be able to customize the lessons to feature the sensors and software you already have!

SPEAKERS:
Josh Ence (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), David Carter (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Introducing Your Students to CRISPR with Sickle Cell Gene Editing

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 407


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Explore Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR in our hands-on electrophoresis workshop! This powerful biotechnology breakthrough is making dramatic changes to human health RIGHT NOW. Dive into CRISPR biology with quick experiments modeling cures for genetic diseases like Sickle Cell Anemia and Cystic Fibrosis.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC), Tom Cynkar (Edvotek Inc.: Washington, DC)

Developing and Using Models: Measuring and Graphing Speed

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 304


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

This interactive workshop uses a model cart system with ramps to help students learn to measure speed and rate. They also match segments of a distance-vs-time graph to portions of a narrative to help conceptualize the meaning behind slopes on motion graphs.

SPEAKERS:
Ed Miller (Selden Middle School: Centereach, NY)

Solving Real-world Problems Using STEM Cases

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 606


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: ExploreLearning

This interactive session will explore a digital interface that develops models to capture students' thinking when designing and testing solutions to real-world problems. We will immerse ourselves in solving a puzzling STEM Case to develop a model and use it to optimize a solution.

SPEAKERS:
Carrie Adler (ExploreLearning: Silver Spring, MD), Lauren Schetne (ExploreLearning: Heber City, UT)

Engineer Physical Science Excitement with a Carolina STEM Challenge®

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 402


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Apply creative problem-solving skills and engineering practices to chemistry and physical science challenges with race cars and rockets. Experience how Carolina makes it easy to incorporate STEM into your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Hale, MI)

FREE Federal STEM Education Resources –Where can I find them?

Friday, March 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 601



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
go.nih.gov/fedstemed
Website with links to many free STEM resources from federal agencies.
NSTA Federal STEM Presentation DENVER.pdf
Presenter slides with links to many different free resources from the federal government.

STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Ever wondered where to find FREE Federal STEM education resources that can provide authentic learning experiences for your K-12+ students? Join Federal agencies, including but not limited to the Dept of Education, NASA, NOAA, EPA, NIH, USGS, USPTO and NSF to learn more & to receive a resource guide!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about FREE K-12 STEM learning resources offered by federal agencies. In addition, teachers will engage in two-way conversations with federal representatives about the STEM resources, programs, and opportunities that are available and leave with a one-page resource guide.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Nickelsen (Forest Service/ Natural Inquirer: Bogart, GA), Rachel Crowley (NIGMS, National Institutes of Health: Silver Spring, MD), Eleanour Snow (U.S. Geological Survey: Reston, VA), Bekkah Lampe (NOAA Office of Education: College Park, MD), Kayla Smith (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Silver Spring, MD), Miranda Fike (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center: Huntsville, AL), Jorge Valdes (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Alexandria, VA), Patti Curtis (U.S. Department of Education: Washington, DC), Melissa Anley-Mills (U.S. EPA: Washington, DC)

Level-Up Your Next Project: A Tuning Protocol Workshop

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Level-Up Your Next Project - Resources
This digital handout includes links to the slideshow presentation, the Innovation Design Protocol, a template of slides to use when replicating the protocol, as well as additional STEM teaching resources.
Level-Up Your Next Project - Resources
This digital handout includes link to the presentation, the Innovation Design Protocol, a template of slide to use when replicating the protocol, as well as additional STEM teaching resources.

STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Does your teaching style lead to creative projects? Then join us to explore the transformative power of tuning protocols in the context of STEM education. Engage in a real-time project tuning and see how this collaborative process leads to better ideas. Leave with tools to replicate the process!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants in this workshop will learn the steps for conducting a tuning protocol to enhance a project, as well as learn about K-12 STEM education resources from the Dayton Regional STEM Center and DoDSTEM.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Drager (Montgomery County Educational Service Center: Dayton, OH)

Engineering to Empower Students & their Communities through understanding Heat Islands

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 603


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Studying the Heat Island Effect covers multiple standards and content areas, and is an excellent grounding phenomenon to discuss equity and justice in the classroom. Come to this hands-on workshop to run through this experience and learn about a framework to develop empowering engineering projects.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with a framework for developing engineering projects that integrate social justice, and will also walk through one of our developed projects on the Heat Island Effect.

SPEAKERS:
Kylie Bertram (Science Teacher: Willingboro, NJ), Emily Berman (Global STEM Challenges Program: Washington, DC)

Using Drones to Combat Wildfires: How to Include NASA's ACERO Program in Your Classroom

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 607



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NASA and Drones ACERO program and STEM
This presentation showcases NASA's ACERO program, which utilizes UAVs, or drones, to mitigate wildfires. STEM content and resources are provided.

STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

NASA’s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations project is using drones and aviation technologies to improve wildland fire coordination and operations. In this session, you'll learn how to incorporate the use of drones and aviation for climate protection into your education program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use NASA Aeronautics' resources for educators to incorporate the use of aviation technology for climate protection into their education programs.

SPEAKERS:
April Lanotte (NASA Headquarters: Monument, CO)

Out of This World Mini-Golf: An Interdisciplinary Project in Practice

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Mini Golf 2024.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn about an interdisciplinary project that had teachers working in teams to build a miniature golf hole based on a moon of the solar system. Hear about how they took the project back to their schools and adapted it to their own practice and for their students, and try your hand at Sphero golf.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will provide hands-on exploration of an interdisciplinary project that can be scaled to meet the needs of all learners, and reflections by teachers who have both done the project and taught it.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Langley (Science Educator: Tulsa, OK), Hunter Bourjaily (Teacher PD Fellow: Reston, VA), Kristina Martinez (Truman Middle School: Albuquerque, NM), Eileen Koenig (Ursuline Academy: Cochranville, PA), Shannon Baldioli (Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Fairfax, VA)

A Chemical Inquiry: Let’s Master Equilibrium!

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom H


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Join this workshop: “A Chemical Inquiry: Let’s Master Equilibrium!” and participate in a “hands-on” activity to help students overcome common chemical equilibrium misconceptions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn to use Inquiry to overcome student misconceptions about chemical equilibrium, a critical chemistry topic.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Dodd (George Washington High School: Pennsboro, WV)

Engineering Design and Coding in the Chemistry Classroom

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom F



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Engineering Design in the Chemistry Classroom.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Come learn how two teachers have added Python programming, engineering design, and data collection applied to real-world applications in the context of their Chemistry classrooms. No experience necessary!

TAKEAWAYS:
Coding and engineering design in the Chemistry classroom based on real-world data collection.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Coker (Camden Fairview High School: Camden, AR), Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Scott, LA)

NASA Resources and Opportunities for Your K-12 Classroom

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 702


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Learn about NASA’s K-12 project which creates, delivers, and curates NASA STEM products and experiences that make connections to NASA and fuel STEM learning and identity. Join us for this fun session and participate in an exciting activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the vast resources offered by NASA's Next Gen STEM project; they will participate in a virtual chat with a NASA scientist or engineer and engage in an activity they can use in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Bethanne Hull (Education Specialist: No City, No State)

Engaging Students Through Inquiry-to-Action Projects that Address the Impact of Climate Change on People, Animals, and the Environment

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2F



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Engaging Student through Action to Inquiry Projects

STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Learn to use the Solutionary Framework to design instruction that engages students in solving real-world problems in their community. Empower young people to become climate solutionaries who explore complex problems and enact solutions that do the most good for all stakeholders.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will use the four-part Solutionary Framework to expand their ability to design units that empower students to address the complex climate issues facing their generation.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Meltzer (Director of K-12 and Teacher Education: Southwest Harbor, ME), Angela Whittaker (Institute for Humane Education: Rice, VA)

Teaching Motion, Forces, and Energy with Robotics

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3F


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Thinking robotics is just for computer science and technology? In this session, explore how you can utilize robotics to teach forces and interactions, energy, and waves with an innovative approach using robots with sensors.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will use robots to experiment with robotics and the engineering design process to apply real-world application of concepts in a way that they can test and visualize the effects in their everyday lives. Sample lessons will be provided.

SPEAKERS:
Lori Birch (Sr Specialist Education and Workforce Development: Fraser, CO)

Teach students to find trustworthy scientific information and resist harmful misinformation

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2G



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slides - handout

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Scientific misinformation caused tens of thousands of COVID deaths and threatens millions of people due to climate change. I will explain why it is essential to teach students how to find trustworthy scientific information and discuss key teaching strategies to accomplish this vital goal.

TAKEAWAYS:
Everyone needs accurate scientific information. Teachers should teach students how to find trustworthy information and resist misinformation, because most students are not good at evaluating information they find online. This feasible goal is consistent with the NGSS but should become a higher priority.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Zucker (Independent Scholar: Cambridge, MA)

Rocketry + Avionics: Taking Data to New Heights

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
2024 Free Summer Rocketry Professional Development
NSTA 2024 Rocketry Presentation
SpaceLab Illinois Courses and Professional Development

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Inspired by recent space launches? Wondering how to capture the excitement with your students? Join us to learn how we use rocketry and avionics to teach data analysis and system engineering. This course allows exploration of Newton's Laws through guided modules that develop knowledge and skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will explore the phenomena of rocketry through hands-on activities focused on hardware and flight. They will then formulate how predictive and actual data tells the whole story of the rocket's flight. The session culminates with the supports to make rocketry accessible in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Arnett (STEM Coordinator: Normal, IL)

Highlighting the Relevance of Earth Science through Connections to Sustainable Development Goals

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 708


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Participants will engage with resources and hands-on activities showing the relevance of Earth Science, specifically through the lens of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We will explore features of the SDGs and Education for Sustainable Development, relating them to NGSS dimensions.

TAKEAWAYS:
The UN Sustainable Development Goals represent an international consensus for action on the world’s most pressing problems. Making connections with them using hands-on, standards-aligned instruction can be an effective way to highlight the relevance of Earth Science instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Sequoyah McGee (American Geosciences Institute: Herico, VA), Lauren Brase (American Geosciences Institute: Westmont, IL), Lindsay Mossa (American Geosciences Institute: ANNAPOLIS, MD), Chloe Westhafer (West Jackson Middle School: Winder, GA), Ed Robeck (American Geosciences Institute: Salisbury, MD)

How to create 3D Learning Experiences around Authentic and Meaningful Phenomenon or Problems

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2H


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Meaningful phenomena and authentic problems make learning experiences in science classrooms more relevant and equitable for students. Come learn what makes phenomena meaningful and problems authentic and then leave with some high-quality instructional materials that you can use in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Meaningful phenomena and authentic problems are more than a hook or an example – they drive learning and provide a context for sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Hutner (Del Valle ISD: Del Valle, TX)

Lessons from the Lab: Creating Science Instruction That Match Actual Science Practice

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3A


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

How can we effectively prepare the next generation of scientists when science instruction is so vastly different from actual science practice? In this session, you’ll learn how research scientists work in a lab environment and how you can transfer those practices directly to your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will understand 6 practices of lab researchers that differ from science instruction in most classrooms. They’ll learn how to incorporate these practices into their classroom to better prepare the next generation of scientists.

SPEAKERS:
Terra Tarango (Van Andel Education Institute: Grand Rapids, MI)

Thinking Computationally About Heatwave Data Visualizations

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3B


STRAND: Lesson Showcase

Show Details

Are heatwaves happening more often? Or does it just feel that way? Using lessons from Heatwave Visualizations, available for free from the Museum of Science Boston and MathWorks, explore visualizations of heatwave data and discuss how an individual’s perspective may have unintentionally biased them.

TAKEAWAYS:
Navigate data visualizations generated from weather station data and learn how to help your students understand that a data visualization is produced by an algorithm written by a human, subjecting it to possible bias. Learn how to access the free materials needed to implement these lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Darshita Shah (Senior Director of Curriculum: Boston, MA)

Empowering Classrooms: Interactive Equitable Strategies for Three-Dimensional Science Learning

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1D


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sensemaking and Three-Dimensional Learning is an important aspect in today's science classrooms. This interactive session provides tools necessary to build engaging lessons for all students. This will include both high and low tech. Examples will stem from NGSS standards and framework.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be provided resources to take back to their schools and/or classrooms ready to implement. Teachers will have a short time to brainstorm and elaborate on their practices and exchange ideas with other educators.

SPEAKERS:
Alicia Moss (Instructor/Supervisor: Andover, KS), Meghan Shave (Emporia State University: Valley Center, KS)

Using Mathematical / Computational Thinking in HS Earth & Life Sciences

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Capitol Ballroom 7



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Computational Thinking, Simulations, and HS Science

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

A crosswalk of how to use and embed computer science to teach the three-dimensional standards in high school Earth & Life Sciences.

TAKEAWAYS:
There are 7 standards that specifically call out mathematics and computational thinking in high school Earth and Life sciences; participants will be able to use computer modelling (as referenced in 7 HS standards) to embody all parts of the science standards.

SPEAKERS:
Megan Hurley (Jeffco Public School District: Littleton, CO), Rachel Nolan (Science Curriculum Specialist: Golden, CO), Kathryn Yelenick (STEM Coordinator: Littleton, CO)

Connecting to The Night Sky: Using Space to Teach Your Students Important STEM Concepts

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
3D CONSTELLATION MODELS.pdf
3D CONSTELLATIONS - EACH ONE WILL HAVE A DIFFERENT SCALE FACTOR IF THE LONGEST STRING (CLOSEST STAR) IS THE SAME LENGTH FOR ALL.
CONNECTING TO THE NIGHT SKY - RESOURCES NSTA.pdf
LINKS TO MATERIALS AND RESOURCES FROM PRESENTATION
GlobeAtNightSampleActivity.pdf
2024 Globe at Night sample and Sky Exploration for Northern Hemisphere Winter into Spring.
HRdiagramSTARsample.pdf
This is a sample introducing students to the HR Diagram where they will place on wall diagram, observe patterns, and get their star for future work.
MARSVenusConjunction2024.pdf
TEMPLATE FOR OBSERVATIONS FROM HOME FOR KIDS - CONJUNCTION FROM 2024 MARS/VENUS
NSTAConnectingtotheNightSkyPresentationSlides.pdf
Slide Presentation: Connecting to the Night Sky
SLOOH1.sampleposters.pdf
Sample posters from Slooh from a variety of "Quests"
SLOOH2.sampleposters.pdf
SLOOH sample posters from a variety of "Quests"
StarProjectGradeSheet.pdf
Rubric for Star Project based on the star from the H/R Diagram activity.
UniverseInUs.pdf
Post Cards for Students to complete after the video on The Universe in Us (link on reference sheet).

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Want to teach students STEM concepts as they discover the wonders of space? Want to engage them in collaborative, discovery-based learning? Hear from a fellow educator and Space Foundation International Teacher Liaison about how you can immerse students in astronomical learning throughout the year.

TAKEAWAYS:
During this presentation, middle and high school educators will learn best practices and strategies for making space exploration an embedded part of their science curriculum. This session shows how to connect students to the sky using real-world science and technologies.

SPEAKERS:
Stephanie Hanover (Davila Middle School: Bryan, TX)

Developing Engaged, Future-Ready Science Learners: Emphasizing Explorations, Sensemaking, Essential Skills, & Effective Use of Innovative Technology Tools

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1F


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Attendees will actively engage with innovative devices; learning strategies to teach data collection and analysis; engineering design processes; robotics; and engaging ways to apply coding and AI to make devices “work”, adding rigor and complexity as learners gain skills and understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to design accessible learning experiences using innovative devices; helping students learn essential science concepts; data collection and analysis; engineering design processes; robotics; and how to add rigor and complexity as learners gain skills and understanding.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Knoell (self: Shawnee Mission, KS)

CAST: Blurring Preservice and Inservice Professional STEM Learning

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 103/105


STRAND: Cultivating Partnerships

Show Details

This session is a panel discussion about an innovative partnership. Panelists include teachers and district staff from the innovation zone within a highly diverse urban school district, and preservice teachers and faculty from a teacher preparation scholarship program at an urban commuter university.

TAKEAWAYS:
This interactive session will serve as an exchange about ideas for both preservice and inservice professional learning that is focused on closing STEM opportunity gaps. Session attendees will have ample time to interact with panelists.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Perez (Brighton 27j School District: Brighton, CO), Mahexabel Garcia Nunez (Metropolitan State University of Denver: Aurora, CO), Janelle Johnson (Metropolitan State University of Denver: Lakewood, CO)

Science Has to Have Story — But How Do You Get It In There?

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Granite


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Our brains and our students' brains are programmed to engage with stories. This is true not only for the stories of STEM discoveries and history but also for broader applications. Engagement, understanding, and even classroom culture all benefit when the instructor becomes the storyteller.

TAKEAWAYS:
Come learn how to find, cultivate, create, and deliver the stories embedded within your content area with a published author and 16-year science educator. Also, learn techniques for adding story where it might not seem apparent and building the story of your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Matt Brady (Atkins High School: Winston-Salem, NC)

Muddy Boots and Natural Beauty: Exploring Wetland Restorations with Elementary Students

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Wetland Wonderland: an Interactive Museum

STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

Learn how one school implemented a science-based, service learning program that takes elementary students into our local wetlands and brings the Science and Engineering Practices to life.

TAKEAWAYS:
1.) Learn how to establish mutually beneficial local partnerships that support science instruction; 2.) Discover how to encourage students to problem-solve local issues and take action in their communities; and 3.) Walk away with ideas and strategies for taking learning beyond the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Elaine Sevin (Isidore Newman School: New Orleans, LA), Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: Belle Chasse, LA)

STEAM Strategies Empowering English Learners and Culturally Linguistically Diverse Students with Disabilities

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1E


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusive practices through STEAM / STEM instruction. Future educators demonstrate culturally diverse STEAM strategies that enable teachers to effectively instruct and empower culturally/linguistically diverse English Learners and English Learners with disabilities.

TAKEAWAYS:
See examples of STEAM strategies and curriculum materials designed for instruction of Culturally Linguistically Diverse English Learners (ELs) and English Learners with disabilities. Replicate materials and teaching strategies for EL students and diverse learners with disabilities in your communities.

SPEAKERS:
Alma Sandigo (Northern Arizona University: Yuma, AZ), Patricia Peterson (Northern Arizona University: Flagstaff, AZ)

Enhancing Student Engagement in STEM: A Model for Connecting Engineering Research to Elementary and Middle School Classrooms

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1C


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

The Colleges of Education & Engineering at URI and UCONN developed a model to enhance student engagement in STEM classrooms and introduce a variety of college & career opportunities across engineering disciplines. Consider implementing a similar model and access project resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about a model for connecting engineering research to classroom learning without adding more to teachers’ plates. Access resources to share with teachers, including video and instructional materials that align to the NGSS and engage students in scenario-based tasks using data from current research.

SPEAKERS:
Caroline Stabile (GEMS-Net, University of Rhode Island: Narragansett, RI), Christopher Cochran (GEMS-Net, University of Rhode Island: Coventry, RI), John Koziatek (University of Rhode Island: Salem, CT), Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi (University of Rhode Island: Kingston, RI), Kelly Houle (The University of Rhode Island: Wakefield, RI)

NSELA-Sponsored Session: Empowering Science Leaders: Leveraging Asset-Based Approaches to Teaching Science and Engineering Practices

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 705



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Asset Based Approaches to Teaching Science and Engineering

Show Details

Immerse yourself in current trends and insights for inclusive learning, paving the way for leading inclusive, empowering, and identity-affirming science education with an asset based approach to learner variability.

TAKEAWAYS:
Embrace students' diverse funds of knowledge and identities to enrich science and engineering education. Integrate Zaretta Hammonds' Positive Feedback framework, respect identities, and employ multiple means of representation and expression for inclusive, effective learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Munoz (STEM4Real: Carlsbad, CA), Rosanna Ayers (UC Merced: Madera, CA)

What Does This Source Say About Science? Using Historical Primary Sources at the Library of Congress to Challenge Misconceptions about the Nature of Science

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Activity 2 Complexity Space Race Excerpts PDF.pdf
Powerpoint Slides
X-Ray Case Study

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn how historical primary sources can be paired with guided questions and analysis to challenge misconceptions about the nature of science. Join us for this workshop to experience how the free, digitized resources from the Library of Congress can lead students to more authentic views of science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to access millions of free digitized primary sources and practice inquiry-based strategies that challenge misconceptions about who does science and what that looks like, and provide surprising historical evidence that illustrates the evolving practice of science.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Apfeldorf (Library of Congress: Purcellville, VA), Kelsey Beeghly (Einstein Fellow: Altamonte Springs, FL)

Exploring Exoplanet Atmospheres with NSF’s NOIRLab

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Agate


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

NSF’s NOIRLab’s Teen Astronomy Café – To Go! program brings the excitement of scientific discovery to students by providing them with an opportunity to explore astronomical data using Python Notebooks. Join us as we unpack educator resources and explore exoplanet atmospheres. Laptops are encouraged.

TAKEAWAYS:
By exploring the "Teen Astronomy Café – To Go!" program designed to support the NGSS, participants will learn about the resources available to introduce Python in their classrooms and help students develop critical thinking and data literacy skills through the simulation of astronomical phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Newhouse (Manager, AZ Education & Engagement: Tucson, AZ), Robert Sparks (NSF's NOIRLab: Tucson, AZ), Fernanda Urrutia (NSF's NOIRLab: Tucson, AZ)

Conserving Panda populations through understanding their reproductive endocrinology.

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 507


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Can your students save the Giant Pandas? See how your students tackle topics like homeostatic regulation, effect of reproductive hormones, immunological responses and ecosystem balance as they engineer a hormone detection system that can be utilized for Giant Panda population conservation efforts.

SPEAKERS:
Damon Tighe (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Oakland, CA)

Biotech Breakthrough! Biotechnology Accessibility Through 3D Models and Design Challenges

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 501


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Empower all your students to unlock the secrets of enzyme specificity through biotech engineering design challenges, using dynamic physical models and student-created models.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Arnholt (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Neuroscience Lesson Showcase

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 610/612


STRAND: Lesson Showcase

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Society for Neuroscience

This workshop offers an opportunity for teachers to explore a new neuroscience curriculum designed for third through sixth grade students. The curriculum encompasses lessons aimed at improving academic performance and increasing mental health literacy among students.

SPEAKERS:
Carolann Berns (Society for Neuroscience: Washington, DC)

Talking and Doing STEM

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 606


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Imagine Learning

Discuss strategies to support STEM classroom experiences that position all students as thinkers and problem-solvers, reflect on peer experiences as you consider your own implementation of ideas that ensure the inclusion of all learners in authentic STEM focused tasks, and identify success criteria.

SPEAKERS:
Kristen Biadasz (Senior Product Marketing Manager: Scottsdale, AZ)

Sparking Curiosity: Hands-On Experiments for Elementary Students

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 301


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Inspire your students’ curiosity about the world around them through hands-on activities using Vernier Go Direct® sensors. See how age-appropriate, sensor-based experiments teach students about data collection and analysis, encourage inquiry, build STEM literacy, and boost test scores.

SPEAKERS:
Nüsret Hisim (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Motion Three Ways: Experiments with the New Vernier Cart Fan

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 302


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Investigate force and motion with the new Vernier Cart Fan accessory! Attendees will collect force, acceleration, and velocity data by adding these easy-to-use, modular fans to our wireless Sensor Carts. Explore three different Newton’s second law lessons that you can use in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Josh Ence (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), David Carter (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Growing 3D Learning: Easy and engaging five-day strategies for teaching with Wisconsin Fast Plants

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 402


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Join us for an engaging MS/HS hands-on workshop full of ideas & resources for using Fast Plants as model organisms to teach environmental / agricultural / biological science content, CCCS, and SEPs. Get “how-to” tips and 3 investigations, including lesson plans and companion Open Source resources.

SPEAKERS:
Hedi Lauffer (Wisconsin Fast Plants Program: Larkspur, CO)

Shifting to a 3D Elementary Science Learning Environment

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 101


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Activate Learning

Come join us to look at helping elementary students shift from learning about to figuring out. Meaningful conversations and ideas about what that might look like with 3-dimensional teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Tracy Marmolejo (Activate Learning: Greenwich, CT), Jen Gutierrez (Activate Learning: Greenwich, CT)

All Sides Being Equal: Exploring Isometric Drawing Through the Lens of Equity

Friday, March 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3C


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Attendees will employ engineering drawing techniques to draw a cube isometrically and extend that new skill to draw a cube puzzle built during the workshop using orthographic projections. This exercise will be used to illustrate equity building opportunities within classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Drawing isometrically allows us to create a different 2d representation of a cube where all sides are measurably equal, employing a model that better represents our actual lived experience and understanding of geometric shapes and strengthens spatial reasoning skills.

SPEAKERS:
Cheryl LG Riedel (Lester J Gates, Scituate Public Schools: Sicutate, MA)

Science and Math: A Match made in the Stars

Friday, March 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
1st Grade Snowflake Math and Science Lesson
3rd Grade Fibonacci Lesson
3rd Grade Fibonacci sheet
4th Grade Sound Waves Lesson
5th grade chemical reactions
5th grade observation Sheet
8th Grade Graphing with the Stars
Kindergarten Snowflake Math and Science Lesson
Math & Science Collaboration Presentation

STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

This session is a hands on presentation to highlight the lessons we use to integrate math and science in a fun way but that follows grade level standards. Participants will walk away with student sheets and experience the activities for themselves.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will takeaway ideas on how to get to all the standards in math and science by combining standards into integrated and fun lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Newburger (Tappan Zee High School: Orangeburg, NY), Samantha Levine (South Orangetown Central School District: Blauvelt, NY)

Investigating the Urban Heat Island Effect with Student Scientists

Friday, March 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 709


STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

The most intensely-developed urban neighborhoods tend to be significantly warmer than areas that have more green space and less pavement. We will explore this phenomenon and consider how to use it as a meaningful avenue for students to become citizen scientists and environmental justice activists.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using a combination of satellite and student-collected data, we'll discuss strategies to support students working to investigate the temperature variation in an urban area, utilize data to identify neighborhoods at risk, and evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation efforts.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Slack (I.S. 223 Montauk Intermediate School: Brooklyn, NY)

Electromagnetic Spectrum in the 21st centur

Friday, March 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom F



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/184z418eBbeoaCqUC1CxvauKMQOSHvTgo

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Using coding in the science classroom, attendees will see how to put meaning to electromagnetic spectrum calculations homework. Using technology and coding attendees will see how they can make the calculations of frequency, energy, and wavelength come to life with sound, colors, and pictures.

TAKEAWAYS:
Bringing meaning to work in the science classroom. Have students interact with the work that we expect from the calculations from the EM spectrum equations.

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Scott, LA), Chris Coker (Camden Fairview High School: Camden, AR)

Connecting Math and Science Through Technology: Data Analysis Made Easy

Friday, March 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom A


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Increase student engagement in analysis and evaluation of real data. Engage students of different ability levels in mathematical models with measurements not previously accessible in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use real data to develop mathematical models and learn how to test your hypothesis by performing an experiment and analyzing your results, combining graphing calculators with handheld sensors to maximize class time.

SPEAKERS:
Karlheinz Haas (retired: Tequesta, FL)

Creative Assessment Strategies for STEM Classrooms

Friday, March 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Mineral Hall B


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Join us to learn engaging and creative assessment strategies for your classroom. Move beyond multiple choice tests and challenge your students to apply their learning in new ways. Learn how you can use Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, EdTech Platforms, Google Forms and more to assess student progress.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn and practice with several creative assessment strategies to assess student learning. The emphasis of these strategies is to get students to apply what they have learned and communicate effectively, while giving teachers quality data on their progress towards learning goals.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Freyschlag (Estes Industries: Colorado Springs, CO)

Fostering Scientific Curiosity through the Fusion of Children's Literature and Hands-On Explorations

Friday, March 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2H


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This session shares resources to create meaningful, integrated learning experiences for young learners. By incorporating trade books tailored for young learners, the session offers insights into how these books can function as catalysts for sparking curiosity and providing pathways for SEPs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn techniques to evaluate science content from trade books and will take away a curated collection of recommended literature and hands-on activity ideas built on science and engineering practices.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Parks (Stetson University: Deland, FL)

Closing the Revolving Door for Novice Teachers: Strategies that Work

Friday, March 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 605


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Almost 50% of new teachers leave the profession after 5 years in spite of having developed effective teaching skills. Come collaborate around strategies for retaining novice teachers that you can begin to implement immediately in your school or district.

TAKEAWAYS:
Strategies to support and retain novice teachers and build the capacity of mentors.

SPEAKERS:
Juliana Coleman (Southern Regional Education Board: Pinson, AL)

Wait, that’s a job I can do someday? Connecting Engineering Research to the Middle School Classroom

Friday, March 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 607


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Engage in activities that show how to connect your current science lessons to cutting-edge engineering research and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM. Receive access to grades 6-8 NGSS-aligned resources that immerse students in scenario-based tasks using data from current STEM research.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to enhance student engagement, and promote STEM college and career pathways by connecting classroom learning to current engineering research at URI and UCONN. Leave with access to video and instructional resources aligned to NGSS and connected to the research.

SPEAKERS:
Holly Emery (GEMS-Net, University of Rhode Island: West Greenwich, RI), Christopher Cochran (GEMS-Net, University of Rhode Island: Coventry, RI), John Koziatek (University of Rhode Island: Salem, CT), Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi (University of Rhode Island: Kingston, RI), Caroline Stabile (GEMS-Net, University of Rhode Island: Narragansett, RI)

The Scoop on K-12 STEM Programs and Teacher Awards Administered by NSTA

Friday, March 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 106



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA K-12 STEM Programs & Teacher Awards.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Join us for a chance to learn about the value and how to implement K-12 STEM innovative programs with hands-on learning strategies utilized to motivate engagement. NSTA administered programs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to enhance student STEM engagement through the use of NSTA administered programs.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton (NSTA: Fresno, TX), Michelle Butler (National Science Teaching Association: Arlington, VA), Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Kathryn Lasky (NSTA/Army Educational Outreach Program: Crofton, MD), Winnie Boyle (NSTA: Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Why Science Educators Need to be at the Policymaking Table

Friday, March 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 102/104


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Join NSTA, the STEM Education Coalition, the Hands-On Science Partnership and the National Academies to learn about emerging public policy issues and how NSTA members can engage in the policymaking conversation at the national, state, and local level.

TAKEAWAYS:
As the old saying goes: If you are not at the table, you might end up on the menu. We will talk about practical ways to get science educators around today’s policymaking table. Also get a preview of upcoming NAS studies that can impact the field.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Stephens (The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: Washington, DC), Erika Shugart (NSTA: Rockville, MD), Alex Molinich (Aldon Corporation: Avon, NY), James Brown (STEM Education Coalition: Washington, DC)

Workshop: Understanding and Creating 5E lesson plans

Friday, March 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3G



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
5E lesson planning guide
This is the infographic handed out during this session.
5E lesson planning presentation
This is the presentation used for this session.

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

5E lesson planning lends itself wonderfully to inquiry-led, tactile science lessons. This session discusses the components of a 5E lesson, why it works for Science, and pointers for creating engaging experiences. Participants will create their own excellent lesson and receive examples of 5E lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain a greater understanding of 5E lesson plan structure and gain confidence in writing them. I will support them in creating their own unique lesson from activities they have done prior and other resources. Their new lesson will integrate art/math/engineering, and promote inquiry.

SPEAKERS:
Rama Sreekantham (Paragon Prep School: Austin, TX)

Exclusive Exhibit Hall Hours

Friday, March 22 • 11:40 AM - 1:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Discover the latest and greatest science and STEM teaching and learning resources, tools, and products available during this break in concurrent sessions.

Climate Action Using STEM

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Climate change can affect us all differently, but it is still the biggest threat to humanity on our planet. Learn how engaging in STEM projects can elevate student voices and hope for the future through climate action.

TAKEAWAYS:
Get ideas on how to incorporate STEM projects while teaching Climate Change and Environmental Science.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD)

The Business of Science: Shifting Early College Curriculum Through Cross-Curricular Co-Teaching

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

We present a framework for the next generation of early college STEM education. This framework highlights a unique co-taught, cross-curricular experience which has been made possible through the early college partnership between Berlin High School (CT) and Southern Connecticut State University.

TAKEAWAYS:
We aim to provide a framework for educators interested in incorporating cross-curricular, co-taught, NGSS and project-based learning experiences into early college curricula. This session presents a freshly designed curriculum which may be adapted in its entirety or utilized on a per unit basis.

SPEAKERS:
Theodore Jones III (Faculty: Berlin, CT), Christopher Wisniewski (Berlin High School: Berlin, CT)

STEM Inspired By Germany

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Lesson Showcase

Show Details

Inspired by the Transatlantic Outreach Program STEM Study Tour for teachers, the free online lessons use phenomena common to the United States and Germany. Framed as a virtual tour of Germany, the four STEM unit topics are sustainability, renewables, climate change, and ecosystems.

TAKEAWAYS:
In addition to accessing STEM lessons and information on future, free TOP STEM Study Tours, attendees will learn how science and engineering can be applied to local and global sustainability issues.

SPEAKERS:
Loris Chen (none: Fair Lawn, NJ)

Academic Self-Concept Development for STEM College Students: An Analysis on Gender Difference

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Using a nation-wide college student dataset, this study examines the gender disparities in academic self-concept for undergraduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) majors and investigates college experiences affecting academic self-concept in this population.

TAKEAWAYS:
Findings show that overall college satisfaction is the strongest positive predictor of academic self-concept for STEM college students, and that institutions and their members should strive to facilitate satisfactory and educationally meaningful college experiences for these students.

SPEAKERS:
Cameron Conn (Assistant Dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine: Memphis, TN)

Peer questioning as learning strategy in experiential physics classroom

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

This session will take a deeper look at experiential physics courses. We’ll evaluate the impacts of peer questioning in terms of supporting deep content learning, providing differentiated instruction for advanced students, and affecting attitudes of science as measured by CLASS survey.

TAKEAWAYS:
Session participants will explore the impacts of peer questioning as a learning strategy in high school science courses and take away concrete strategies for implementing peer questioning in their own science courses.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Sarbanes (Green Street Academy: Baltimore, MD)

Effects of Course-Based Research Experiences on Student Engagement in Secondary Biological Science Courses

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Student engagement has been linked to increased persistence in STEM. In this poster presentation, I will share the results of my research on the effects of integrating course-based research experiences into high school biological science courses on student engagement in STEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
The main takeaway from this session is that integrating course-based research experiences into the curriculum is important in STEM courses, as it can lead to increased student engagement, which is associated with persistence in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Shawndra Fordham (University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus: Highlands Ranch, CO)

Enhancing STEM Education Through STEMified Instruction with AI Integration in The Classroom

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

AI integration in STEM education enhances learning, fosters critical thinking, and empowers educators. STEM-ified instruction is developed to ensure students are well-prepared for STEM challenges in our Technological world.

TAKEAWAYS:
Integrating AI into STEM education enhances learning, critical thinking, and teacher empowerment. It offers STEM-ified instruction and practical learning experiences, preparing students for the STEM-driven future. Professional development is essential for effective AI integration.

SPEAKERS:
DAISY MAE BONGTIWON (De La Salle University: Manila, Philippines)

Connecting Classrooms and Colleges

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Cultivating Partnerships

Show Details

Connecting Classrooms and Colleges showcases how to cultivate successful partnerships between the K-12 setting and higher education to improve science education for all level learners, from kindergarten to graduate school and beyond.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how educators can find opportunities to cultivate partnerships with colleges that benefit all that seek to learn and improve science education. A decade-long partnership between the University of Georgia Genetics Department and a middle school teacher will be featured.

SPEAKERS:
Audrey Hughes (Clarke Middle School: Athens, GA)

Watershed Awareness using Technology and Environmental Research for Sustainability (WATERS)

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

Explore free WATERS student-centered activities and models for middle school classrooms for learning water concepts and building water career awareness. Students predict the likelihood that water will follow one pathway over another and to trace the connections among groundwater, surface water and

TAKEAWAYS:
The lessons include these learning activities: discover your local watershed; learn about your stream organisms; test your local water chemistry; manipulate water models; explore your schoolyard; investigate your schoolyard; model improvements to your schoolyard; and create a road map to action.

SPEAKERS:
Carolyn Staudt (The Concord Consortium: Concord, MA)

Classroom Practices: Integrating STEM, Literacy and Computation in Elementary Education (iSLICEE)

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA iSLICEE Poster.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Receive practical ideas to integrate computational thinking (CT) into K-5 science, mathematics, and English Language Arts curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn examples about how to integrate STEM, Literacy, and Computational Thinking into everyday lessons. Different technological tools available for educators.

SPEAKERS:
Chelsie Pratt (Instructor: Johnson City, TN), Michaela Slagle (Graduate Assistant: Johnson City, TN), Dylan Singleton (Student: Johnson City, TN), Chihche Tai (East Tennessee State University: Johnson City, TN)

Developing Community STEM Education Partnerships to Deepen Youth Experiences

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Developing STEM Education Partnerships to Deepen Youth Experiences

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

How can community partnerships inspire youth to explore locally relevant environmental issues? Learn how to activate untapped resources within your STEM ecosystem and build community partnerships to provide real-world connections to student investigations and exposure to STEM careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to build a network of community partnerships that can support efforts to increase youth interest in STEM careers. This poster describes a toolkit that you can use to develop a STEM partnership program to bring together students and STEM professionals from your community.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Rummel (UCAR Center for Science Education: Boulder, CO)

Contraptions in the Classroom

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

How to use Rube Goldberg contraptions to teach physics and physical science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Create a fun way for students to learn about simple machines and apply those concepts to a hands-on interactive project.

SPEAKERS:
Godwyn Morris (Dazzling Discoveries / Skill Mill NYC: New York, NY)

A First-Grade Engineering Case Study: Empowering the E in STEM!

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

View the results of a case study highlighting engineering, problem-solving, creativity, and SEL in a first-grade classroom. Presentation includes research, data, pictures, assessments, and student artifacts. Learn why research supports immersing young learners in science and engineering practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will see a summary of research, data sets, and student work from a recent onsite first-grade case study in engineering. Experience and evidence support the research that schools need to include science and engineering in the early learning curricular lineup.

SPEAKERS:
Pam Nolan-Beasley (Science Teacher Trainer and Elementary STEAM Teacher: Walla Walla, WA)

Top 10 Tips for Teaching the SI

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
SI Teaching Tips-Resources-NSTA-Denver-2024-03.pdf
Handout resources include the poster, instructions on how to obtain a free NIST SI Teacher Kit, classroom activities, learning job aid, posters, and other NIST metric system and STEM digital resources.

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Explore 10 strategies to cultivate an immersive classroom measurement climate full of application opportunities that reinforce scale, proportion, and quantity. This poster shares solutions to build all students proficiency as they apply the International System of Units (SI) measurements in STEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
It’s easy to learn and teach the metric system. Participants will identify how to obtain a free NIST SI Teacher Kit, supplemental learning activities, and other digital resources.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Benham (National Institute of Standards and Technology: Gaithersburg, MD)

Tales from the Deep: Storytelling brings scientific ocean drilling to life in the classroom

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Cultivating Partnerships

Show Details

Through scientific ocean drilling, we have made countless discoveries about Earth’s history, climate change, and the origin of life, but we often forget the people who make it all possible. TALES FROM THE DEEP partners with StoryCorps to humanize complex science through the stories of those at sea.

TAKEAWAYS:
Free multimedia classroom resources, including audio narratives from the people involved in scientific ocean drilling and associated activities and worksheets, allow students to interact with the people who participate in complex science and engage in sensemaking about geoscience concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Maya Pincus (Columbia University / U.S. Science Support Program: Palisades, NY)

Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN): Building a foundation of support for climate and energy educators

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
CLEAN Poster
Poster describing the CLEAN Project

STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

CLEAN is a climate education project that supports educators of all types to bring climate and energy topics into their teaching. CLEAN stewards a collection of nearly 900 resources including videos, visualizations, and activities that are reviewed by scientists and educators and easily searchable.

TAKEAWAYS:
Through our resource collection, teaching guidance pages, and network, we work to center people, place, and science in climate education. CLEAN offers educators multiple perspectives and ways to understand the challenges, relationships, responsibilities, and solutions for climate change.

SPEAKERS:
Kathryn Boyd (CIRES Education & Outreach: Boulder, CO), Patrick Chandler (CIRES Education & Outreach: Boulder, CO)

TeachEngineering Digital Library: Free, Standards-Aligned STEM Resources

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

The TeachEngineering Digital Library is a free, online collection of K-12 curricular STEM resources. Our goal is to help educators put the ‘E’ in STEM— by making applied science, technology, and math come alive through engineering design and design thinking.

TAKEAWAYS:
TeachEngineering provides 1,850+ free STEM curricular resources focusing on hands-on, standards-aligned activities for K-12 students.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Kracha (Teach Engineering), Dua Chaker (Teach Engineering: No City, No State), Ellen Parrish (Teach Engineering: ERIE, CO)

STEM Hub: Authentic Experiences in Science and Engineering for Young Learners

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Inspired to bring joy to our students through authentic STEM investigations that are culturally and historically responsive, we collaborated to create a common framework for planning learning experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Having a dedicated STEM resource for teachers helps to streamline the curriculum and give teachers ideas for incorporating STEM in ways that are accessible to all students and mindful of a K-5 teacher’s workload.

SPEAKERS:
Elcilia Taveras (K-5 Math Instructional Specialist: White Plains, NY), Meera Rajani (Math Specialist: White Plains, NY), Carmen King (Mercy Center for STEM Education: Bronx, NY), Susannah Waksberg (K-5 Math Instructional Specialist: White Plains, NY)

eCYBERMISSION STEM Competition - Authentic, Engaging, Accessible

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Lesson Showcase

Show Details

eCYBERMISSION is a free virtual STEM competition for grades 6-9 that offers standards-aligned resources, grants for teachers and thousands of dollars in awards for students. eCYBERMISSION fosters critical thinking and creativity while preparing students for the future.

TAKEAWAYS:
eCYBERMISSION is a free virtual STEM competition for grades 6-9 that offers standards-aligned resources, grants for teachers, and awards for students. eCYBERMISSION provides educators the resources to foster critical thinking and creativity while preparing students for the future.

SPEAKERS:
Carey Dieleman (National Science Teaching Association: Bettendorf, IA), Lora Gibbons (Utah Education Network: Stansbury Park, UT), Laura Stary (Southcrest Christian School: Lubbock, TX), Kelly McDonald (Andover West Middle School: Methuen, MA), Brian Kutsch (National Science Teaching Association, eCYBERMISSION: Maumelle, AR)

STEM Doodles with 3-D Printing Pens

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Wondering about ways to use 3-D printing pens with your students? Practice using a 3-D pen to create a small but STEM-tastic model or design to use in your classroom. Explore the possibilities of using the engineering design process to solve real-world problems with creativity and a new tech gadget.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will have an opportunity to use a 3D pen to make (and take) a small model or design for the classroom, using a provided pattern or an original design. Information about eCYBERMISSION and programs administered by NSTA and sponsored by AEOP will be available.

SPEAKERS:
Carey Dieleman (National Science Teaching Association: Bettendorf, IA), Brian Kutsch (National Science Teaching Association, eCYBERMISSION: Maumelle, AR)

AEOP Virtual Reality “Lab”

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Experience the “real” feel of working in a lab from the physical layout to the various “tasks” performed. Take on the role of a scientist/engineer and conduct scientific studies with a prototype. Catch a glimpse of an Army lab in action and learn how equipment used by our troops is developed.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will have an opportunity to use virtual reality goggles and applications to explore a technological alternative to hands-on scientific inquiry and engineering design processes. Information about eCYBERMISSION and programs administered by NSTA and sponsored by AEOP will be available.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Moskalik (NSTA: Morris, IL), Brian Kutsch (National Science Teaching Association, eCYBERMISSION: Maumelle, AR)

Connecting to nature through mathematics and rainfall.

Friday, March 22 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 208


STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

Using a garden based, STEAM integrated lesson, participants will view a poster to explore how much rain their area receives and how much water their garden needs to thrive.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore how much rain their area receives and determine how much water is needed for a garden to thrive. They will be provided the lesson plans and resources and discuss how this activity could be implemented. Participants will see how the lesson connects students to nature.

SPEAKERS:
Katherine Vela (Assistant Professor: Price, UT), Michelle Parslow (Student: Ogden, UT)

Dog Mode Design Challenge

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Dog Mode Design Challenge - NSTA Python (1).pdf

STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Keep your pets safe from being left in hot cars by using automatic sensors to design an alarm that could save their lives.

TAKEAWAYS:
Solve a real-world problem with coding and engineering design; no prior experience needed.

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Scott, LA), Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD)

The Computational Science Classroom: Using Physical Computing to Drive Student Learning, Thinking, and Action

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3F



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slide Deck

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Our innovative approach to science and STEM engages students through hands-on and minds-on physical computing curricular units. Through this approach you can enable students to leverage computational thinking to investigate, develop models, and ultimately enact local and global change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to effectively bring computational thinking and programming into the middle school classroom, based on curriculum units developed by Schoolwide Labs at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Our place-based focus is a powerful promoter of equity for all students.

SPEAKERS:
Quentin Biddy (University of Colorado Boulder: Longmont, CO), Greg Benedis-Grab (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO)

The Science of Skepticism: Empowering Educators with Sagan's Baloney Detection Kit

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 702


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Explore the importance of reflective thinking, skepticism, and the tools for critical inquiry as emphasized by Sagan's Baloney Detection Kit. This session guides educators in fostering students' intellectual curiosity and equipping them with survival skills for the information age.

TAKEAWAYS:
Equip yourself with strategies to foster reflective and skeptical thinking in students, empowering them with Sagan's nine components of critical inquiry, ensuring they navigate the information glut with discernment.

SPEAKERS:
Nathan Lang-Raad (Author, Speaker, Educator: Limerick, ME)

Build a Monster: Reviewing & Refining Resources

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 703


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

In today's tech-driven world, with abundant information and limited planning time, achieving both content-rich and inclusive lessons can lead to "analysis paralysis." Break free from overwhelm with our practical tool for evaluating resources. Join us!

TAKEAWAYS:
By the end of this lesson, educators will be able to apply effective strategies to critically evaluate a range of resources, thus enhancing the overall sense of inclusivity and belonging within their classroom communities.

SPEAKERS:
Jailyn Jenkins (Manager of Resident Development, Innovation, Coaching: Denver, CO)

Fun Ways to Get Students to Argue with Evidence

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 704


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This interactive session will provide fun ways for students to argue with evidence. CER ideas and activities will be provided as well as rubrics for assessments.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will analyze student CERs, learn methods of implementation, and write claims with evidence and reasoning.

SPEAKERS:
Leah Ward (Science Teacher: Pleasant View, UT), Allison Halling (Teacher: West Haven, UT), Becky McKinney (Weber High School: Pleasant View, UT)

Teach Like an Elder and Have Success in a Modern, Healing STEM Classroom!

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom H


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This session will connect the teaching methods of our elders to the current best practices in STEM education. This will include the removal of barriers to learning as well as taking the lessons into the world of students. Lesson templates will be shared as well as examples of all methods.

TAKEAWAYS:
For many attendees, existing materials and methods can be adapted to the worlds of the students and drastically increase engagement, critical thinking, and practical application. This will result in a strengthening of the student's identity as a STEM learner, as well as STEM being a possible career.

SPEAKERS:
Joel Truesdell (Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus: Hilo, HI)

JROTC STEM Leadership Academy

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 706



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
MCPSS JROTC STEM Leadership Academy
Mobile County Public School System JROTC STEM Leadership Academy Overview.

STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

The purpose of the JROTC STEM Leadership Academy (first began in 2015 in Mobile, AL) is to engage a unique population of high school students, 9th and 10th grade JROTC cadets, in STEM content, skills and fields of study needed by business and industry today.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to incorporate STEM lessons into after school and summer programs while building an interest in area industries and workforce development.

SPEAKERS:
Chastity Touchstone (Mary G. Montgomery High School: Semmes, AL), Ashley Daigle (Mary G. Montgomery High School: Semmes, AL)

When Storylines Meets Design Camp: Building Youth Learning Activities to Support Science Learning, Making, and Coding for Informal Learners

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 207


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

The storyline approach has guided the design of high-quality instructional materials for K-12 science education. We will present an adaptation of this framework to a youth camp focused on design in the context of learning radio frequency communication technologies.

TAKEAWAYS:
The storyline approach is a powerful framework to guide the design of learning experiences that build upon student ideas in formal and out-of-school settings. Participants will see some of the adaptations of this framework in a camp engaging youth in coding, craft making, and engineering contexts.

SPEAKERS:
Diego Rojas-Perilla (BSCS Science Learning: Colorado Springs, CO), Guy Ollison (BSCS Science Learning: Rancho Cordova, CA), Nancy Hopkins-Evans (BSCS Science Learning: Wayne, PA), Sherry Hsi (BSCS Science Learning: Berkeley, CA)

Hands-On Equity: Making STEM Education Manageable

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 708



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Hands-on Equity presentation pdf
Review this sessions slide show at your own convenience to learn more about PBL and our associated activity.
Science Buddies mini-trebuchet website
A great resource for this trebuchet build and tons of other hands-on activities!
Science Buddies: build a mini-trebuchet
We'll build this fun mini-trebuchet during our workshop!

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Participants will engage in student equity tips & activities as they work to complete a STEM build. Everyone will leave with materials, resources, & useful inclusion practices in this STEM engineering challenge. Teamwork will be used to create the task & classroom adaptations will be explored.

TAKEAWAYS:
STEM education is easy, fun, & accessible. Your students & colleagues will benefit from these engaging activities regardless of your professional track. NM MESA educators are specialists when working with rural & underserved communities; join us and you’ll take away build kits, resources, & ideas!

SPEAKERS:
Terry Ramirez (NM MESA: El Paso, TX), Kim Scheerer (NM MESA: Albuquerque, NM)

Powerful and Equitable Physics Exploration - The Work and Power Lab Revisted

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom A


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

In this powerful workshop, teachers will learn how to promote an equitable and safe space to design, experiment, and investigate the topics of work and power as an alternative to the traditional stair lab.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will work through an alternative lab that allows students to build and examine the work and power involved in a conveyor belt system. The lab, suggested materials, and analysis will be supplied to teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Sabrina Whitaker (Farmingdale High School: Farmingdale, NY)

Mission Mars: Help Students Master the NGSS Through an Engaging Lesson on Harvard's LabXchange Platform

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Labxchange (Denver) 2024

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

You can utilize LabXchange's free resources to engage your students in understanding the critical STEM concepts NASA must master for a Mars mission, including engineering design and problem-solving skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
At the session, attendees will learn how to access and effectively use Harvard's LabXchange to enhance their science lessons, fostering a dynamic STEM learning environment.

SPEAKERS:
Lauren Kelly (Crowley ISD: Burleson, TX)

A Hands-on Approach to Teaching Anatomy Using Clay on a Skeletal Model

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 710


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

In this workshop, attendees will build replicas of human anatomy using clay and a specially-designed skeletal model in a classroom setting. Educators will learn how to implement a unique curriculum system which helps students create a kinesthetic map of the human anatomy.

TAKEAWAYS:
They will acquire the knowledge to engage science students with immediate, hands-on learning using a proven method that is nationally recognized to increase both student retention and test scores.

SPEAKERS:
Brandee Gillham (Educator: Peetz, CO)

Incorporating Soil Data Into Instruction: An Introduction to Web Soil Survey and NRCS Resources for Educators

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4E



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Incorporating Soil Data into Instruction - presentation
Explore NRCS's Web Soil Survey and related lessons and guides. Links to resources are included in the ppt.

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Participants should bring a computer to learn about and explore the soil data platform from Natural Resources Conservation Service, Web Soil Survey. Participants will learn how to acquire local data of interest and be provided with a teacher guide and multiple lessons that include soil data.

TAKEAWAYS:
Incorporating real, scientific data about soils is easy with Web Soil Survey and AGI’s new Educator Guide. Including local soil data in instruction will make science content more relevant to students as they learn about topics such as soil health, erosion, flooding, infrastructure, and more.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsay Mossa (American Geosciences Institute: ANNAPOLIS, MD), Sequoyah McGee (American Geosciences Institute: Herico, VA), Ed Robeck (American Geosciences Institute: Salisbury, MD), Lauren Brase (American Geosciences Institute: Westmont, IL)

Crash and Learn – Using Basic Science Concepts to Help Students Make Safe Decisions While Riding in or Driving a Vehicle

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3G


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Join award-winning science educator Griff Jones and members of the IIHS Vehicle Research Center to practice a sample of engaging demos and hands-on activities, such as paper car crashes and egg drop competitions, from the IIHS’s free “Crash Science in the Classroom” program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will try out a selection of inquiry-oriented discrepant events and hands-on crash science activities, and learn how to access other free, video-supported, classroom-tested lessons and resources to teach crash-related science and engineering concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Joe Young (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute: Arlington, VA), Griff Jones (University of Florida: Newberry, FL)

Transforming Everyday Science Lessons into Three-Dimensional Learning Experiences

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2A


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Do you have an instructional unit published before 2013 or do you ever buy online lessons and wonder how to confirm alignment to three-dimensional learning? Learn about a practical approach for vetting science instructional units.

TAKEAWAYS:
This workshop presents a practical rubric for vetting lessons and a framework for transforming any lesson into a three-dimensional learning experience for students.

SPEAKERS:
Leidy Luciani (Parish Episcopal School, Midway Campus: Dallas, TX)

Homes for the Hurricane Homeless: The Integration of STEM, Place-Based Learning, and Designing Thinking in the Elementary Classroom

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4B


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Participants will explore an engineering design challenge that engages upper elementary students in the creation of tiny homes as a solution to homelessness after a local natural disaster. Explore Design Thinking principles and how empathy plays a role in authentic and inclusive STEM inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage in an NGSS-based engineering design challenge where you design a solution for homelessness caused by natural disasters and learn the role of empathy in STEM inquiries by using Design Thinking principles and place-based strategies that engage all learners in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Williams (Isidore Newman School: Belle Chasse, LA)

Ready, Set, Launch Students Into Engineering Design!

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1B


Show Details

Inspire your students to think like scientists and engineers with this hands-on STEM approach. Test variables, make predictions, and design the perfect straw rocket. See how this STEM approach can be used to create any design challenge in your class. Receive resources to transform your STEM lessons!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn hands-on strategies to help students develop measurement, data collection, and analysis skills they can apply in engineering design lessons. You will learn methods to differentiate this in any K-12 setting and leave with free resources to implement this in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Davis (Air Camp USA, Inc.: Dayton, OH)

Engineering Student Success on a Budget

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 712


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

NGSS includes standards for engineering. Many small schools don't have the resources for high-tech maker spaces, so we meet those standards using common, inexpensive materials. Come see how we make it work!

TAKEAWAYS:
Engineering doesn't have to be complicated, and it doesn't require high-tech tools and equipment. We can engineer solutions to world problems using simple household materials.

SPEAKERS:
Vanessa Ueltzen (Walther Christian Academy: Chicago, IL)

Let’s Tinker with Toys: The Power of Reverse-Engineering

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA 2024 - Forsythe - Tinker with Toys Handout
Handout
NSTA 2024 - Forsythe - Tinker with Toys PPT

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Ever wondered what’s inside a calculator? Or how a wind-up toy works? Join us as we tinker with toys and learn how reverse-engineering activities can be a powerful learning experience for students. Come prepared to take simple objects apart. The challenge will be putting them back together again!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will gain experience deconstructing and reconstructing everyday objects such as toys; be able to identify learning opportunities in simple reverse-engineering activities; and be prepared to facilitate reverse-engineering activities in elementary classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Forsythe (Texas State University: San Marcos, TX)

How to Integrate SEL in STEM

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation Slide Deck

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Join Dr. Christy Hilton to learn how to easily imbed the five cognitive and behavioral competencies of social and emotional abilities into your STEM lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain insights and resources to implement each of the five cognitive and behavioral competencies into their STEM lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Hilton (Central Indiana Educational Service Center: Indianapolis, IN)

Teaching With Primary Sources: It's For STEM Too!

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3A


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Join us and learn how to revitalize STEM instruction using Library of Congress primary sources which align with Next Gen Science Standard and visual thinking. Inspire future STEM leaders using practical strategies and inquiry with digitized resources from our nation's library.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session showcases how digital resources from the Library of Congress offer authentic connections to STEM concepts and NGSS. By examining primary sources, teachers and students can explore scientific ideas, technological innovations, and the societal impact of STEM advancements.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Israelsen (Digital Literacy Partner: Broomfield, CO), Michelle Pearson (Adams 12 Five Star Schools: Broomfield, CO)

Maps, Scatterplots, Histograms, and More: Leveraging NASA Data to Explore Wildfires

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3H


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Join us to learn how to use different types of digital tools (e.g., NASA, CODAP) and datasets to explore place-based phenomena. Participants will take part in hands-on activities and pedagogical discussions, and think about how to implement place-based, data-rich activities in their own classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will develop broader definitions/descriptions of what counts as data; explore how to find and access data tools using online resources (e.g., NASA, CODAP); develop awareness of the power of using multiple data representations to explore and understand complex Earth systems and phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Lionberger (WestEd: Decatur, GA), Sara Salisbury (WestEd: Verona, PA)

Resources for Engaging in Climate Justice Centered Teaching and Learning

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 108/110



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Session 9 Materials (Google Drive): Resources for Engaging in Climate Justice Ce

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Come explore teaching strategies and instructional supports for helping youth learn about climate justice-centered phenomena and issues. Youth are seeking out this type of socio-ecological learning opportunity! Help them learn how to engage in collective action!

TAKEAWAYS:
Climate Ed Tools contain rich examples of climate justice instruction, strategies for engaging youth, and to support climate change learning and communication among educators. These open education resources (OER) include video overviews, valuable guidance educators, and tons of background resources!

SPEAKERS:
Philip Bell (University of Washington: Seattle, WA), Deb Morrison (University of Washington: Salt Spring Island, BC), Kelsie Fowler (University of Washington: Seattle, WA)

Science behind Opioid Dependence

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 507


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Two out of three drug overdoses are due to opioids. Understanding the environmental & genetic links to drug dependency can reduce risk when opioids are prescribed to high-risk patients. Discover how math, genetics, & personalized medicine can determine the likelihood of addiction.

SPEAKERS:
Tamica Stubbs (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Making the Cut with CRISPR that Changes Lives

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 501


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Discover how modeling with interactive, collaborative tools can help your students learn about this new gene editing technology. Hear how the treatment has helped people.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Creative Assessment Strategies for STEM Classrooms

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 503


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Estes Rockets

Join us to learn engaging and creative assessment strategies for your classroom. Move beyond multiple-choice tests and challenge your students to apply their learning in new ways. Learn how you can use Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, EdTech Platforms, Google Forms and more to assess student progress.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Freyschlag (Estes Industries: Colorado Springs, CO)

Coding Emotions: A Digital Mood Ring Experience

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 406


STRAND: Lesson Showcase

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

Feeling moody? Dive into the fascinating blend of science and coding as we guide you through how to create your own digital mood ring. No coding experience required! Grab a seat for this interactive session as we unravel the science of color and consider body temperature thresholds, all while deciding if fuchsia should feel flirty or if green feels groovy.

SPEAKERS:
Erick Archer (Texas Instruments: Dallas, TX)

Stoichiometry Simplified: Strategies for Student Success!

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 404


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: PASCO

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to facilitate deeper student understanding of mole ratios, stoichiometry, and limiting reactants. This hands-on activity uses common household chemicals to simplify setup and a Wireless Pressure Sensor to support live data collection and immediate data analysis.

SPEAKERS:
Sophia Guzules (PASCO Scientific: Roseville, CA)

Next Generation Science Explorations for Middle School Students

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 301


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discover solutions for phenomenon-driven middle school curricula, including materials developed by Vernier for OpenSciEd. Bring 3D learning to life with sensor-based experiments such as Matter Cycling and Photosynthesis in this interactive session tailored for educators adopting NGSS standards.

SPEAKERS:
Nüsret Hisim (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

On the Right Track: Hands-On Explorations of Motion and Force

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 302


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Master motion concepts using Vernier wireless sensor carts! Collect position, velocity, acceleration, and force data and investigate graph slopes firsthand in kinematics and dynamics experiments. Walk away equipped with go-to motion experiments and ready-to-use activities to try in your class.

SPEAKERS:
David Carter (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Josh Ence (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Keep Calm and Chemistry On: Successful Lab Activities for the New Chemistry Teacher

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 401


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Explore easy, engaging, and safe chemistry activities that guarantee a reaction in your students. Whether you’re new to chemistry or feeling out of your element, create excitement with hands-on labs, demonstrations, and Carolina’s digital content.These lab activities support 3-dimensional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Nixon (Watauga High School: Blowing Rock, NC)

An Innovative Approach to Integrated STEM

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 610/612


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC)

This session explores a unique approach to integrated STEM. The approach places curricular units that focus on engineering and computer science directly into the core curriculum for every student, PreK-12.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Reynolds (Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC): San Francisco, CA)

Designing a Sustainable Golf Course

Friday, March 22 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 606


STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEM Sports®

STEM Sports' session will provide participants with a hands-on approach to learning STEM disciplines through Sports. Attendees will take on the role of students and be given an overview of how to design a sustainable golf course by considering the good of the planet, people, and profitability.

SPEAKERS:
Jeff Golner (STEM Sports®)

DebriefScape: Innovative Tools and Resources to Support STEM in Special Education

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1C


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

The DebriefScape project aims to improve science and math instruction for students with disabilities. To achieve this, our freely available resources are: a Coaching Model, a digital Observation tool, and a collection of hundreds of professional development opportunities for coaches and teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to access the freely available DebriefScape tools and resources, and see examples of their application thus far. The presenters will share lessons learned through their research and gather input to improve the tools and resources in the future.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Dieker (University of Kansas: Lawrence, KS), Rachel Hallett-Njuguna (Florida State University: SANFORD, FL)

Video Editing in Your Classroom

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Bean - Video Editing in Your Classroom.pptx
Digital Storytelling.pptx
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16JrdInrKrmsSgdLwJPXTohXwnGYN_rdZ/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110652946919793398733&rtpof=true&sd=true
Video of Self.docx
Virtual Lab Rubric and Outline.docx

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Bring your teaching to life by having students create videos of what they learn in science class. In this workshop you will learn how to use Adobe Express to create your very own video! By learning these skills, you will be equipped to help your students create video of their very own.

TAKEAWAYS:
Creating videos using images and videos.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Bean (Catherine Cook School: Chicago, IL)

Groovy Sounds

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom A


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Get in the groove and make a real working record player! Investigate sound and wave properties with an easy-to-build homemade record player. Learn how music is encoded and played back. Understand the difference between digital and analog information transfer with this DIY device.

TAKEAWAYS:
Sound waves and their application in technologies for information transfer.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Muller (Exploratorium: San Rafael, CA)

Copper: Two Inquiries to Begin and End the School Year

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Capitol Ballroom 4


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Come and take part in this workshop: “Copper: Two Inquiries to Begin and End the School Year” and learn about the chemical properties of copper using appropriate technology in a “hands-on” activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will take part in an Inquiry experiment, use technology to collect/analyze data, and visualize what occurs on the submicroscopic level by employing particulate drawings.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Dodd (George Washington High School: Pennsboro, WV)

Teaching STEM Concepts Using Custom Pumped Hydro Storage Boards

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Capitol Ballroom 3



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Lesson Plan for Pumped Hydro Storage Boards.pdf
Pumped Hydro Storage Board Assembly.pdf
Pumped Hydro Storage Worksheet ESPANOL.pdf
Science Discovery Pumped Hydro Storage Lesson.pptx
Science Discovery Pumped Hydro Storage Worksheet.pdf

STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Pumped Hydro Storage facilities store vast amounts of energy and can help society transition to cleaner energy sources. In our workshop, we will share an inquiry-based lesson where student teams control hands-on, interactive models of a city’s storage facility while exploring sustainable energy use.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will participate in a cross-disciplinary activity for science and math students around sustainability and energy conversion. Attendees will receive complete instructions on how to create their own models and lesson plans aligned to current NGSS science and Common Core math standards.

SPEAKERS:
Caitlin Anderson (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO), Scott Sieke (STEM Education Designer: Loveland, CO)

Byte-Size STEM

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4C


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Engaging STEM activities that can be done in any science content class in 45 minutes or less.

TAKEAWAYS:
Expose your students to STEM skills through short, easy, and engaging STEM activities that can be completed in a single class period.

SPEAKERS:
Brad Posnanski (Comsewogue High School: Port Jefferson Station, NY), Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD)

NMLSTA - Polar Science is COOOOOL!

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 712



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Polar Science is COOOOOL! (1).pdf
PDF of presentation

STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

Polar regions are in the vanguard of climate change and are also remote, exciting parts of the world. In this workshop, try activities that will help you bring polar issues to life in middle and high school classrooms. These include glaciology, Indigenous lifeways, energy balance, and tundra life.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will sample classroom activities, hands-on and online, to investigate climate change and polar conditions, enriching their understanding of the relevance of the Arctic and Antarctic to all regions of the Earth.

SPEAKERS:
Katie Lodes (St. Joseph's Academy: Ballwin, MO), Anne Schoeffler (Seton Catholic School: Macedonia, OH)

Inexpensive 3D-Printed Biotechnology

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 706



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation Folder
PowerPoint along with editable fusion 360 and stl files

STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Explore the use of biotechnology by having your students build their own 3D-printed gel electrophoresis equipment and perform experiments with inexpensive and easily obtainable materials.

TAKEAWAYS:
Biotechnology can be accomplished using inexpensive 3D-printed equipment and easily obtainable generic materials.

SPEAKERS:
James Lettieri (Polytech High School: Dover, DE), Judith Campo-Sobota (Polytech High School: Woodside, DE)

Get Ready for the April 8 Total Eclipse! Classroom Understanding and Activities

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Totality app home page

STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

By now you are probably well aware of the upcoming total solar eclipse on 4/8/24, which passes over many major cities on a path running from Texas up through Maine. The rest of the contiguous US will have a partial solar eclipse. Learn how to be ready for this awesome STEM education opportunity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn everything you need to be ready for the upcoming eclipse, including the science behind eclipses, how to view the eclipse safely, and how to create educational opportunities for your school and community.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Bennett (Big Kid Science: Boulder, CO)

How to Promote and Support Learning After Introducing a Phenomenon

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3F


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Phenomenon-based instruction can make learning experiences more relevant and equitable for students. Come learn how to foster student sensemaking after you introduce a phenomenon today and then leave with a library of high-quality instructional materials that you can use for years to come.

TAKEAWAYS:
Introducing meaningful phenomena is necessary but not sufficient for fostering sensemaking. Students must also have opportunities to use DCIs, CCs, and SEPs during the learning experience and the experience must be structured in ways that make the process of sensemaking useful and inclusive.

SPEAKERS:
Victor Sampson (The University of Texas at Austin: Austin, TX)

Infusing STEM Into A Truly Integrated High School Science Course

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 708


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Integrated science? Teach NGSS-focused geology, ecology, biology, engineering, and physical science through real-world problems. Access rubrics, guides, lesson plans, timelines, and other ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using a thematic approach to integrated science truly integrates the disciplines, making it highly engaging by giving students real-world applications of the content. The NGSS does not have a set of "integrated science" standards, yet aligning this course to the NGSS is possible!

SPEAKERS:
Vanessa Ueltzen (Walther Christian Academy: Chicago, IL)

Ways to structure student discussions to increase participation and collaborative sense-making

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1F


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

A hallmark of collaborative sense-making is productive discussion. Come learn how to foster productive small group and whole class discussions in your classroom and then leave with a library of high-quality instructional materials that you can use for years to come.

TAKEAWAYS:
Collaborative sensemaking requires productive and inclusive talk. Teachers can foster productive talk between students using specific activity structures, talk prompts, talk moves, and supports.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Hutner (Del Valle ISD: Del Valle, TX)

From the Moon to the Stars

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
ESA Moon Media Kit
European Space Agency Moon materials
Periodic Table of Elements
Periodic Table of Elements
Presentation From the Moon to the stars
Learning Scenario for classroom
Useful Links
Useful Links

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

We’ll share teaching resources teachers may use in the classroom in a playful way, focusing on the next stage of the Man on the Moon with Artemis Mission. Teachers put hands-on teaching resources to maintain human life on the Moon and build a didactic game (Battleship Exploring the Periodic Table).

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will inquire, “How may we build a lunar base?” To solve this problem, teachers will explore the elements of the Moon soil and will build a Periodic Table battleship game. Participants will dig deeper into the organization of the Periodic Table and understand that elements are all over.

SPEAKERS:
Isabel Borges (Institute of Education University of Lisbon: Lisboa, AL), Carla Sofia Ranito (Teacher: Queijas, Portugal), Adelina Machado (Educational Coordinate: Queluz, 0), Sandra Vasconcelos (Teacher: Charneca de caparica, 0)

Deep Dive with Dummies – Exploring Equity in Crash-Testing Research to Teach About the Nature of Science

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom C


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

Is crash-testing biased against women? Join science education professor Griff Jones and IIHS Vehicle Research Center staff to learn about the latest research regarding equity issues and crash-testing, and participate in a live Q&A with crash test dummy research experts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn why ensuring equity in crash-testing research is more complex than simply putting a female dummy in the driver’s seat and how IIHS’s “Deep Dive with Dummies” free video series can be used to teach grade 5-12 students about the nature of science.

SPEAKERS:
Joe Young (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute: Arlington, VA), Griff Jones (University of Florida: Newberry, FL)

CSSS: Designing Equitable and Just Outdoor Learning Environments

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 111/113


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Come learn more about underlying barriers and current trends in youth outdoor participation. Building life-long relationships with the outdoors benefits students and their communities. Explore strategies and resources to create more just and equitable outdoor student learning opportunities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore strategies and resources to increase outdoor student engagement and participation for more inclusive and equitable science learning.

SPEAKERS:
Lizette Navarrete-Burks (University of Houston-Downtown: Houston, TX)

From Stream to Salt Marshes: Real-World Data in Your Backyard

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Capitol Ballroom 6


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Scientists rely on data to describe nature and uncover relationships. In this workshop, you will learn how to access data and how to graph and analyze the data in EXCEL and use online statistical tools to test hypotheses and uncover significance.

TAKEAWAYS:
The USGS has an archive of data and collects real-time data from a variety of locations throughout the United States. Learn to introduce data science in authentic ways that connect students’ interests. People of all ages can engage data in ways that are useful and meaningful.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Joslyn (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow: Muscatine, IA)

Help Students "Muck About" in their Data

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2H



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Session resource document
Access all resources, including the session slide deck, from the session via this link.

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Come explore different ways we can assist our students to “muck about” in their data to get comfortable and better understand it. We will discuss the importance of Exploratory Data Analysis as a compliment to more traditionally emphasized Explanatory Data Analysis.

TAKEAWAYS:
Identify ways to increase student engagement in data activities using real-world data in existing curriculum to build their data and sensemaking skills as you teach your science.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hunter-Thomson (Dataspire Education & Evaluation, LLC: Santa Cruz, CA)

Exploring Practices, Nature of Science, and Science in Society: Analyzing Historical Primary Sources from the Library of Congress

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
LOC Connecting Items
LOC Exploring Primary Sources Presentation
LOC Primary Source Overview Cross Cutting Concepts and Phenomena
LOC Primary Source Overview Nature of Science
LOC Universe Slices

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Practice hands-on strategies for engaging students with scientific notebooks, letters, photos, drawings and more! These free online resources elevate the stories behind scientific endeavor, highlighting scientific practices, the nature of science, and connections between science and society.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to access millions of free digitized primary sources and practice hands-on strategies for using them to promote critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of real-world scientific practices, the nature of science, and connections between science and society.

SPEAKERS:
Kelsey Beeghly (Einstein Fellow: Altamonte Springs, FL), Michael Apfeldorf (Library of Congress: Purcellville, VA)

Strengthening Teacher Skillsets through Fostering Equity Driven STEM Mindsets: Key Learnings from TNTP's STEM Good to Great Pilot Program

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2A


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

TNTP’s equity-based STEM Good to Great model is a learning-by-doing experience that couples a culturally responsive framework with job-embedded development to make STEM thinking an integral part of the classroom. Hear from TNTP and our partner school on the program's impact on teaching and learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to lay the foundation for a sustainable and meaningful STEM culture through an equity-driven professional development and robust coaching model that honors four key resources crucial to improving student outcomes across K-12 classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda McCue (Senior Manager STEM: Eustace, TX), Camryn Lochner (Teacher: No City, No State), Nithya Vasudevan (TNTP: Oakland, CA)

Kinematics With Fan Carts

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Capitol Ballroom 1


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Attendees will collect and analyze uniform motion data from a dune buggy and nonuniform motion with a fan cart, identify dependent and independent variables, and create large graphs that can be easily interpreted by using adding machine tape.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: Observe that if Fnet = 0 N motion is uniform. Observe that if Fnet ≠ 0 N motion is non-uniform. Interpret graphs of position vs. time, velocity vs. time, and acceleration vs. time for uniform motion and nonuniform graphs that yield the Physics Kinematics Equations.

SPEAKERS:
Jan Mader (Retired Physics and Chemistry Teacher: Great Falls, MT)

Design Thinking and You!

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Design Thinking Resources NSTA
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to "[email protected]"

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Come join in the Design Thinking Process: Define, Empathize, Ideate, Prototype, Test, and Improve. This process helps students (and teachers) to brainstorm, understand others, and solve problems creatively and collaboratively in a K-5 science education!

TAKEAWAYS:
They will learn how we can put empathy in the design thinking process, so we can bridge the connection between our students and the community with STEM. We often see science at a global scale, but this will help bring back the focus at a local level.

SPEAKERS:
Tram Nguyen (5th Grade Science, Math, and Social Studies Teacher: Lawrenceville, GA)

USGS Field Journals: Nurturing Environmental Literacy

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3B


STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

Participates will engage in activities from the newly designed USGS field guides. The field guides are intended to be used in grades 3-5 to provide space that nurtures curiosity and creativity while realizing the interconnectedness of the natural world.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will walk away with brand-new field journals that can be used in their classrooms!

SPEAKERS:
Samantha Willsey (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow: Washington DC, DC)

Engaging K-8 Students through Circular STEM: A Shift in STEM Education

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 707



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Flyer Handout with QR codes
This gives you access to the resources I mention in the presentation.

STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Can STEM education prepare all students to be leaders in the transition to a circular economy? By using Circular STEM principles to design “out” waste, students can envision system-scale change. Starting with how things are designed allows current problems to become regenerative possibilities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover the core principles of Circular STEM design, and how it integrates into K-8th grade sequences aligned with NGSS. We provide illustrative sample lessons, showcase essential materials, and access cutting-edge research pertaining to circular design and its applications.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Watts (Educational Program Coordinator: PENDLETON, SC), Erin Rockenhaus (Circular STEM: Pendleton, SC)

Justice-Centered Ambitious Science Teaching Practices Developed and Refined by Professional Learning Communities

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 108/110



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Session 10 Materials: Justice-Centered Ambitious Science Teaching Practices Deve

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn about the Justice-Centered Ambitious Science Teaching framework and practices teachers have developed as part of professional learning communities to be responsive to students' cultures and communities, recognize and build upon expansive forms of student meaning-making, and committed to naming and disrupting injustice in society.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about teaching practices aimed at building a welcoming, joyful, and critical community, planning that is meaningful for youth and centers justice, elicits local stories and uses interpretive power, nurtures revisions of scientific thinking with diverse and local expertise, and uses science to advocate for justice.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Campbell (University of Connecticut: N. Franklin, CT), Rachel Lauzier , April Luehmann (University of Rochester: Rochester, NY), Hannah Cooke , Emily Lisy , Cathryn Tuttle

Do real hands-on CRISPR gene editing!

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 507


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Experience CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing experiments designed for your students' learning! In this hands-on workshop edit a chromosomal gene, complete with essential experimental controls, using the same cut-and-repair technology used in medicinal and agricultural applications.

SPEAKERS:
Damon Tighe (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Oakland, CA)

Genes Unraveled – Modeling Inheritance Mysteries

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 501


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Explore genetic wonders with your students and discover the intricacies of Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance through dynamic modeling and Punnett Square construction.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Hutson (3D Molecular Designs: Westmoreland, KS)

DIY Loudspeakers: make some noise!

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 503


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Arbor Scientific

In this fun, Make-and-Take workshop you will construct loudspeakers and hear them play your favorite songs. This session will also explore the physics behind the design and operation of the speakers, allowing you to confidently embed this content within your electromagnetism and STEM teaching

SPEAKERS:
Alex Gonzalez (Arbor Scientific: Saline, MI)

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration: Teaching Common Biology Concepts with Alginate Beads

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 402


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Participants will make and use alginate beads containing algae and alginate beads containing yeast. They will learn how the beads can be used to model the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

SPEAKERS:
Crystal Risko (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Burlington, NC)

Bon Appétit: Explorations in Food Chemistry

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 301


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Knowledge is the food of the soul, and these real-world food chemistry experiments cover complex concepts using science that students can see and understand. Attendees will use Vernier Go Direct® pH and CO2 Gas Sensors to explore the differences between baking soda and baking powder.

SPEAKERS:
Nüsret Hisim (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Support 3D Teaching with Vernier Connections™

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 302


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discover the newest STEM solution from Vernier, built to teach and engage students in 3D science! Vernier Connections is a web-based platform that equips teachers with hands-on lessons. We will feature a lesson demonstrating the design & structures that make Connections a must for the STEM classroom

SPEAKERS:
Lori Anderson (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Josh Ence (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Enhancing Equitable Discussions Using Scientists Circles

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 101


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Activate Learning

Learn how Scientists Circles support equitable and meaningful classroom discussions. Create opportunities in your lessons in which all students’ thinking, experiences, and ideas for further exploration can be leveraged for building a culture where students are positioned as knowers and thinkers.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Klaft (Activate Learning: Greenwich, CT), Jen Gutierrez (Activate Learning: Greenwich, CT)

Clean Energy & Coding

Friday, March 22 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 407


STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: KidWind Project

In this workshop you will explore some activities which combine Microbits with wind, solar and hydropower.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Arquin (KidWind Project: Saint Paul, MN)

Biofabrication in the Classroom: Project-Based Learning for Equitable Education

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
BioFab Explorer

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Discover BioTrek, a free project-based learning program that introduces your students to regenerative science through advanced technologies, entrepreneurship and career pathways in the biofabrication industry. Learn how to bring this dynamic inquiry-driven experience to your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees gain insight into cutting-edge tissue engineering concepts and free NGSS-aligned curriculum. Learn how ARMI is shaping the industry and empowering the future workforce of biofabrication through BioTrek, a program that exposes students to exciting careers via transdisciplinary learning.

SPEAKERS:
Alanis Vicente (ARMI / BioFab: Manchester, NH), Gabrielle Mourousas (ARMI / BioFab: Manchester, NH)

Middle School Share-a-thon hosted by National STEM Scholar Program

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3H


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Come network with the National STEM Scholars, (a group of middle science school teachers) as we share our innovative, hands-on projects, materials, results, and curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover new ideas, lessons, and projects that you can use in your middle school classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Michele Mitnitsky (Dover High School: Bow, NH), Emily Harer (Global Arts Plus Upper, Upper Campus: Rush City, MN), Kandice Taylor (Brinkley Middle School: Jackson, MS), Sarah StCyr (WW Lewis Middle), Jenny McCall (Winburn Middle School, Fayette County Public Schools: Nicholasville, KY), Teresa Robertson (Middle Grades Teacher: Munfordville, KY), Patricia Huntington (Farb Middle School: Santee, CA), James Frye (Science Teacher: LEITCHFIELD, KY), Laura Cummings (Teacher: Haleiwa, HI), Erin Hullinger (Teacher: Gorham, ME), Kerrie McDaniel (Western Kentucky University: Bowling Green, KY)

Expanding Science to STEM: Integrating Math and Engineering into Science

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
How to create a student-centered classroom, infographic
This is the handout from this session.
Sceince to STEM presentation
This is the presentation used for this session

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

In this workshop, explore what defines a STEM lesson and learn how to turn your Science class into STEM by adding relevant engineering and math activities to lessons. STEM activities will help maintain your students’ interest and give them a more wholistic understanding of the Science discipline.

TAKEAWAYS:
Enhance your 5E science lessons by learning how to add student-centered, collaborative math and engineering activities to them. In this workshop, we will transform common science activities in 3-5th grade by exploring and generating connections from the Science activities to math and engineering.

SPEAKERS:
Rama Sreekantham (Paragon Prep School: Austin, TX)

Say No to Silos: Integrating STEM and Language Arts

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2A


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This session will focus on the integration of STEM and Language Arts/Reading through standards-driven, inquiry-based units. Participants will have the opportunity to experience one lesson from a unit that demonstrates integration of robotics, engineering, mathematics, and language arts.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will demonstrate integration of STEM and Literacy through the use of robotics. Participants will be provided with an example of a unit based on a young adult book. They will be able to use the unit as provided and will be able to develop their own integrated lessons following the model.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Douglass (Washburn University: Lenexa, KS)

Rev Up Your Engineering Integration with the Knowles Project Complexity Rubric

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom F


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

How can engineering design invite student creativity and choice in a science classroom? Come learn about a teacher-developed tool for scaling student autonomy both up and down within engineering practices into your science class. Leave with new activity ideas and a new strategy for developing more.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this presentation, teachers will look at several examples of integrated-STEM instruction on a continuum of student-centricity and complexity. Teachers will use a Project Complexity Rubric to consider modifications to the examples and to their own engineering-oriented math and science instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Kylie Bertram (Science Teacher: Willingboro, NJ), Emily Berman (Global STEM Challenges Program: Washington, DC)

Beyond Lucy: Bringing Human Evolution Alive in the Classroom

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 607


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

In this session, three author-educators will use 3D-printed fossils to introduce the topic of human origins, identify critical adaptations, and learn stories behind the fossils. Attendees will gain age-appropriate strategies tailored to diverse student populations (lower grades through high school).

TAKEAWAYS:
This session provides educators with skills and resources for teaching human evolution. Through a trifold approach, participants will increase confidence in teaching about human origins by exploring major milestones in human evolution and headline-grabbing discoveries. Bibliography provided.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Shreeve (EMLA: Mill Valley, CA), John Mead (St. Mark's School of Texas: Allen, TX), Pamela Turner (Author: Oakland, CA)

Why Did the Acid Go To the Gym? To Become a Little Buffer!

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Capitol Ballroom 7



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Why did the acid to go the gym_ To be a little buffer..pdf

STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

This session will explore acid base chemistry. Hands-on, data collection, simulations, and card sorts will be utilized to encourage participants to have fun with the complex chemistry topic of acid base chemistry.

TAKEAWAYS:
Acid base chemistry and buffers are difficult concepts for students to grasp. This session will help teachers create and modify traditional lecture activities to be student-centered, hands-on learning opportunities.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Coker (Camden Fairview High School: Camden, AR), Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Scott, LA)

"Think Global, Act Local" Climate and Environmental Projects That Teach Skills, Agency, and Optimism

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 704



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Think Global Act Local Teaching Agency, Skills and Optimism

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Learn to use the Solutionary Framework to design instruction that engages students in solving real-world problems in their community. Empower young people to become climate solutionaries who explore complex problems and find solutions that do the most good for all stakeholders.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will use the four-part Solutionary Framework to expand their ability to design units that empower students to address the complex climate issues facing their generation.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Meltzer (Director of K-12 and Teacher Education: Southwest Harbor, ME), Angela Whittaker (Institute for Humane Education: Rice, VA)

Teaching and Assessment Strategies for Asking Questions and Modeling

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 706


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Teaching and assessing science skills can be challenging for educators. Come to this workshop if you want to dive into conversations about what success looks like for asking questions, and developing and using models. Strategies for teaching and rubrics for science skills will be provided.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with strategies for teaching and assessing science skills.

SPEAKERS:
Leah Ward (Science Teacher: Pleasant View, UT), Allison Halling (Teacher: West Haven, UT), Becky McKinney (Weber High School: Pleasant View, UT)

Reading History to Engineering Parachutes Includes Lots of Science

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3C


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

This parachute STEM lesson is introduced by reading some history using the book, “Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot” by Margot Theis Raven. Discussing problems and how engineers and scientists work to solve them assists students in learning about engineering and the Design Process as well as physics.

TAKEAWAYS:
Reading, problem-solving, engineering design, physical science, and math are used by groups of fourth graders to build and test parachutes in this STEM lesson. Students work in groups of three and preliminary designs are drawn, put together, and tested.

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Cunningham (Purdue University: Lafayette, IN)

Empower Scientific Inquiry with Primary Sources

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom C


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

This session will provide strategies on Teaching with Primary Sources in the science curriculum to promote student a.) inquiry and discourse b.) critical thinking and analysis and c.) understanding of scientific history.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in teaching strategies that exemplify how analyzing primary sources can support critical thinking and the scientific method of observation, hypothesizing, and analysis.

SPEAKERS:
Dat Le (Arlington Public Schools: Arlington, VA)

"When I am going to use this?" Resources that you can use to make topics that students see as irrelevant more meaningful for students

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4D


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

There are many topics included in required course content that student view as irrelevant. Come learn about ways to make these topics more meaningful for students and then leave with access to a digital library of some high-quality instructional materials that you can use to teach them.

TAKEAWAYS:
Meaningful phenomena and authentic problems can make topics not only more meaningful for students but can also make instruction more rigorous and equitable.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Hutner (Del Valle ISD: Del Valle, TX)

For the Love of Forensics: Exploring Funky Fingerprints

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 4E


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

We know STEM is a crucial component of society; however, everyone doesn't have the gift of time to spread the joy of STEM. Join us as we engage in a CSI-themed lesson, and collaboratively brainstorm ways to intentionally embed STEM connections and thinking routines, regardless of bell schedules!

TAKEAWAYS:
By the end of this lesson, educators will be able to outline creative and innovative ways to embed STEM thinking and disciplines into their lessons, regardless of the time allocated within their schedules.

SPEAKERS:
Jailyn Jenkins (Manager of Resident Development, Innovation, Coaching: Denver, CO)

The Chemistry and Statistics of the U.S. Penny

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 710


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

The various metals and alloys used in the minting of the US penny over the years will provide for rich explorations. We will share activities that combine some very basic lab activities conducted by some of our chemistry classes with detailed mathematical modeling done by the students in statistics.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will use real data to develop mathematical models and learn how to test our hypothesis by performing an experiment and analyzing the results, combining chemical analysis with statistical sampling for a cross-curricular approach.

SPEAKERS:
Karlheinz Haas (retired: Tequesta, FL)

Making Informal Formal: The Benefits of Museums, Science Centers, & Out of School Programs Besides Field Trips

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1F


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Come learn about ways that museums, science centers, and out of school time providers can help you improve your students’ learning beyond visiting for field trips or joining the program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about resources and opportunities that museums, science centers, and out-of-school time providers, such as Science Olympiad, offer classroom teachers to expand their students’ knowledge, borrow classroom resources, or develop themselves.

SPEAKERS:
John Loehr (Science Olympiad: Oakbrook Terrace, IL)

You Belong! Unlock the Power of Invention Education for All

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 1E


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Innovative workshop designed to help break down barriers to innovation with free educational resources, hands-on activities, and lesson plans celebrating our Inventor Trading Cards. Empower students of all backgrounds and differing abilities to see themselves as inventors!

TAKEAWAYS:
Everyone is an inventor! All students and educators are problem solvers, inventors, and makers regardless of economic status or geographic location. Innovation and our economy thrive on diversity of thought and all voices and ideas are essential to solving the problems of today and tomorrow.

SPEAKERS:
Jorge Valdes (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Alexandria, VA), Reginald Duncan (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: O Fallon, IL)

Effective Assessment CONSTRUCTion for All Students

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2G



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Effective Assessment CONSTRUCTion for All Students

STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

We share the newest results of a study on effective multiple-choice questions in STEM education. We examined science educators’ revisions to help reduce problems such as gender/racial/ethnic bias and difficulty that are often present in test questions, while including common misconceptions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Evaluate assessment questions that you use to assess students’ sensemaking of elements outlined in the NGSS DCIs. Are the questions free of bias, not too difficult, or indicative of overall student performance? Do they include common misconceptions that students hold? Learn what works, and what doesn’t.

SPEAKERS:
Philip Sadler (Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian: Cambridge, MA), Cynthia Crockett (Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian: Antrim, NH)

Distracted Driving Dangers – Where Biology and Physics Meet the Road

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Centennial Ballroom A


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Complete a distracted driving hands-on activity and discover award-winning videos and more inquiry-based activities from IIHS’s free Crash Science in the Classroom program that illustrates the vital connections between biology, physics, mathematics, medicine, engineering, and teen crash safety.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will measure their reaction time and complete a distracted driving simulation using a series of 4 activities simulating the 4 major types of driving distractions. Participants will also learn how to access detailed lesson plans, teacher tips videos, student lab sheets, and answer keys.

SPEAKERS:
Griff Jones (University of Florida: Newberry, FL)

Engaging Young Scientists Through Fairy Tales

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA FairyTales Denver.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Make the literacy connection to science with fairy tales. Join us as we explore activities that integrate multiple content areas with an emphasis on writing across the curriculum. We will even engineer a house for a pig.

TAKEAWAYS:
This workshop has been designed to show educators: -how to become advocates of literacy for elementary science and engineering -to provide connections between science and literacy and -to learn strategies for actively engaging all learners.

SPEAKERS:
Amber Dobbs (Ruth Patrick Science Education Center: Augusta, GA), John Hutchens (Ruth Patrick Science Education Center: Aiken, SC)

Connecting STEM and CTE Through Project-Based Learning

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Down To Earth NSTA Presentation.pdf
Down To Earth NSTA Presentation.pptx
Down to Earth Planning Sheet (1) (1).pdf
Down to Earth Planning Sheet.pdf
Science Friday ISS Stories To Share.pdf

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

STEM has the most impact when it’s place-based, real-world, and hands-on. We’ll connect Career and Technical Education with project-based learning as students take innovation from the International Space Station and bring it down to Earth to solve problems in their own communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will provide a roadmap for project-based learning using science and engineering processes to enhance communities while building student STEM identities and exploring potential career pathways. Participants will try a sample activity and receive planning tools to develop their own.

SPEAKERS:
Sandra Roberts (Science Friday: Blairstown, NJ)

Decreasing Entropy: Simple Engineering to Teach Science Concepts

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA_Engineering4Sci_Metlay-Schmidt_22Mar24.pdf
Decreasing Entropy: Simple Engineering to Teach Science Concepts Suzanne T. Metlay, Ph.D and Stan M. Schmidt, Ph.D. Western Governors University School of Education
NSTA_Engineering4Sci_Metlay-Schmidt_22Mar24.pptx
Decreasing Entropy: Simple Engineering to Teach Science Concepts Suzanne T. Metlay, Ph.D and Stan M. Schmidt, Ph.D. Western Governors University School of Education

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Transform trash into a teaching tool with this straightforward approach to innovation and engineering. This session will address NGSS science and engineering practices, apply knowledge in a real-world context, and help make sense of abstract concepts with hands-on application.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engineering is not scary! Participants will use instructor-provided materials and instructions to practice problem-solving with everyday objects and zero budget. Consider how to use this approach to teach science concepts underlying each engineering solution.

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Metlay (Western Governors University: Longmont, CO)

CAST: Digital STEM Explore Boards: Gold Mining Resources to Extend STEM Learning Beyond the Classroom

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 103/105



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA - Digital STEM Explore Pages
Please reach out with feedback or with any questions! [email protected]
NSTA - Digital STEM Explore Pages
Thanks so much for exploring with me! I truly love feedback! And PLEASE don't hesitate to reach out to collaborate or if you have any questions: [email protected]

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

A behind-the-scenes look at the foundation to building, creating, and sustaining digital resources that are safe and accessible to all K-5 learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants in this session will be given access to a host of K-5 friendly digital STEM Resources, examples of STEM Explore Boards, as well as time to play around and ask questions, so they have the tools and capacity to create their own resources.

SPEAKERS:
Kristina Stem (Erie Elementary: Erie, CO)

Using Photographs and Data Stories to Support Data Science in STEM

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3F


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Join us as we explore how students’ photographs can be used to support inclusive data science storytelling for all STEM learners. Participants will take part in hands-on data collection activities that foster reflection and dialogue about the pedagogical choices that will work for their context.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will develop techniques to generate datasets and data stories from images to deepen student understanding of how data science is reshaping how we analyze the world around us. Participants will also experience how UDL can create accessible dynamic data investigations for all students.

SPEAKERS:
Leticia Perez (WestEd: WIlsonville, OR)

NSF Research Experience for Teachers: Connecting Smart Environments to Cybersecurity and Student Leadership

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Mineral Hall A


STRAND: Research to Practice

Show Details

How do we purposefully increase student interest and connection with computer science and the online world? This session will share the personal experience and curriculum developed following a biology teacher's foray into a computer science-centric research experience for teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
From research, to writing curriculum, to implementation, this session will share the reflections and curriculum developed from participating in a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Teachers. Attendees will receive access to the curriculum and ideas for finding similar experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Steve Gewinner (Computer Science Teacher: Springfield, MO), Tara Bonebrake (The Summit Preparatory School: Springfield, MO)

Project-Based Learning in the Science Classroom

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2F


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Come to this session to learn how to incorporate project and problem-based learning into your NGSS and three-dimensional science classroom. Real projects will be shared that are linked to relevant and engaging phenomena, and provide students with choice and agency.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to implement project- and problem-based learning into their science class, while maintaining an NGSS or three-dimensional science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Allison Bogart (Stonecreek Junior High: Bakersfield, CA)

Sensemaking Strategies for Culturally Responsive STEM Teaching

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Sensemaking in Culturally Responsive STEM Teaching
Handout packed with resources

STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

Learn how to utilize the SCORES Model principles of Safety, Connection, and Open-Dialogue to build a classroom culture of inclusion including tips for student grouping, to facilitate communication, and increase student participation. Equip yourself to nurture a diverse STEM community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Utilize the SCORES Model principles: Safety, Connection, & Open-Dialogue, to craft a positive classroom culture, refine student grouping to promote equitable talk, and increase student engagement and intrinsic motivation through proximity and connection.

SPEAKERS:
Mandy Heal (Mesa Public Schools: Mesa, AZ), Jamie Rapkiewcz (Mesa Public Schools: Mesa, AZ)

Engaging All Students in the Science of Sustainable Food Systems

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Denver - Agate


STRAND: Climate Science and Environmental Justice

Show Details

To ensure a resilient future, we must engage students with phenomena and problems found in food systems and agriculture. This session explores how food and agriculture connect to students’ lives and presents a highly relevant and authentic science context immersed in the Three Dimensions of NGSS.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will see successful examples of authentic phenomena and problems found within food and agricultural systems that are relevant to all students. We will demonstrate how all three dimensions of the NGSS are used to make sense of these real-world phenomena and problems.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Beierle (Relevant Classroom, a Division of Vivayic, Inc.: Wauwatosa, WI)

Teacher moves to support community sensemaking

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 711



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Teacher Moves for Classroom Community Sensemaking

STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

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Fostering student discourse provides a challenge for many teachers who are uncertain what to do when students share ideas that are not the expected answer. We'll explore the many teacher moves that support student sense-making for deeper science understandings.

TAKEAWAYS:
During this workshop, participants will wear the student-hat as they experience community sensemaking where their peers are intellectual resources. We will be modeling these moves in the context of phenomenon-based, 3D science teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Peason (Associate Director of Science Education Outreach: Pittsford, NY), Ananda Weigand-Sheerer (teacher leader: Rochester, NY), Michael Occhino (The Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development: Rochester, NY), Kimberly Fluet (Associate Director of Science Education Outreach: Rochester, NY)

Metamorphism of the Rock Cycle Lesson: 3-Dimensional Teaching Linking the Formation of Rocks to Plate Tectonic Settings

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Rocks Tectonics info and links
Slides from NSTA with links to activities & models

STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Participants will get hands-on access to a free online curriculum that uses a computational plate tectonics model, called the TecRocks Explorer, and real-world data to explore the connections between tectonic settings, conditions, and processes, and rock formation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Free online curriculum that teaches the rock cycle linked to tectonic settings and processes

SPEAKERS:
Stephanie Seevers (Evergreen High School: Metamora, OH)

STEM Bins® with Brooke Brown: Engineering Through Play

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 502


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: hand2mind

Discover how to effectively use STEM Bins® as a foundational, developmentally appropriate form of engineering for elementary students. Learn simple ways to implement STEM Bins® for early finishers, enrichment, morning work, centers, makerspaces, and literacy and math extensions.

SPEAKERS:
Brooke Brown (Roosevelt Elementary School: Norman, OK)

Investigate Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration with Algae Beads

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 507


STRAND: No Strand

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Discover the role of Scenedesmus obliquus in biotechnology, from biofuels to wastewater treatment and microplastics detection. This hands-on workshop includes a powerful teaching lab for photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and allows students to engage in structured and open inquiry.

SPEAKERS:
Damon Tighe (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Oakland, CA)

DNA Unplugged -- Using Multiple Physical Models of DNA to Teach Structure and Function

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 501


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Explore DNA and RNA with three different physical models. Discover strategies to help students learn about nucleotide structure, base-pairing, DNA directionality, and even Epigenetics!

SPEAKERS:
Mark Arnholt (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI), Tim Herman (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Energize Your Class! Active Investigations into Human Physiology

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 301


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Get students on the move with real-world kinesthetic experiments. Attendees will participate in activities like measuring grip strength, balance, and EKG/EMG responses using Vernier technology. Take home creative ideas to actively engage students in learning about organ system functions.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), Nüsret Hisim (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Engage Your Physics Students with Vernier Video Analysis

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 302


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Take motion studies to the next level! Use updated Vernier Video Analysis® tools to capture position, velocity, and acceleration data on student devices. Foster a deeper understanding of physics through learner-driven experiments using data from sample and student-recorded videos.

SPEAKERS:
Josh Ence (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR), David Carter (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Creating great stories and portfolios using ArcGIS StoryMaps

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 503


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Esri

- StoryMaps allow students to combine text, photos, videos, audio, and maps into a coherent story for communicating research or findings of a study. Join the Esri education team as we explore creating storymaps. StoryMaps are a part of the ArcGIS School Bundle, free for K12 instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Faby Carrera (Esri: Redlands, CA)

Encouraging Equitable Participation During a Discussion in the OpenSciEd HS Classroom

Friday, March 22 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Convention Center - 101


STRAND: Teaching Strategies and Classroom Practice

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Activate Learning

Classroom communities make sense of what’s being investigated through discussions; it’s key to ensuring all students’ ideas are shared and valued. This session focuses discussion types used to help draw out student ideas, negotiate and refine them, and support communicating in scientific ways.

SPEAKERS:
Jodi Bahr (Activate Learning: Greenwich, CT)

Teaching the Engineering Design Process Through Urban Gardening

Saturday, March 23 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3A


STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

The goal of this project is to use engineering design principles to teach ecology and sustainability through active student involvement in an urban garden.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students learn the engineering design process and apply it directly in practice through the creation of an urban garden.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Weissman (The Ramaz School: Fresh Meadows, NY)

Get Started with PBLs That Work

Saturday, March 23 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 708


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

Participants will learn how to utilize PLC work to design and implement PBLs across subjects in a middle school setting. Participants will learn how to effectively score student's work, strategies for grouping, ideas for obtaining and organizing materials, and how to include community partners.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, participates will learn how to design and deliver PBLs in the middle school science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Carpenter (Arlington Middle School: Arlington, TN), Latisha King (Arlington Middle Scool: Jackson, TN)

Veo, Veo, Radio! A Suite of Spanish and English Educator Guides and Activities About Radio Waves and Wireless Radio Communications

Saturday, March 23 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 106


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

The radio spectrum is invisible, yet it enables our cell phones, contactless payment, and air travel. Learn approaches to facilitate diverse youth, families, and museum visitors using hands-on activities, mobile apps, and guides in Spanish and English from the NSF Making Waves with Radio project.

TAKEAWAYS:
Hands-on activity using everyday materials, conversation prompts, and mobile apps together can engage youth and families in playful experimentation to learn about the science and technology of radio waves and wireless radio communications. Get free educator guides and lessons in Spanish and English.

SPEAKERS:
Sherry Hsi (BSCS Science Learning: Berkeley, CA)

VCU: Dive into lessons that highlight the role Bivalves Play in Sustaining Watershed Ecosystems

Saturday, March 23 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 2C


STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

We’ll share 11 free online lessons that engage students in the importance oysters and mussels play in watersheds via virtual tours and field studies. This NOAA funded Meaningful Watershed Education Experience effort has students investigate, collaborate and debate solutions to authentic problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers gain awareness of and access to OER support curriculum developed across a 3-year grant aligned with the 3 dimensions of NGSS and NOAA’s meaningful watershed educational experience framework. The lessons, part of a larger project, were piloted across 3 school districts (urban and rural).

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Edmondson (Virginia Commonwealth University: Richmond, VA), Al Byers (AB Advising: Ashburn, VA)

Show What You Know: Practical Summative Assessments for the Hands-On Learner

Saturday, March 23 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 2C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Show What You Know: Performance Based Summative Assessments
The benefits of performance based summative assessments in the classroom.

STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

In an era where science educators are encouraged to do more hands-on learning, benefiting students that learn by doing, we still test using traditional styles. Take a look into the benefits of practical style summative tests to help this student population.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to structure summative tests for kinesthetic learners, rather than the standard "pen and paper" style tests.

SPEAKERS:
Ryan Fernandes (Wayne County Schools Career Center: Medina, OH)

Effects of Online Professional Development for Future Science Teachers of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students

Saturday, March 23 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 601


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

This study aims to enhance the understanding of future science teachers in the field of transportation and to create an innovative teaching approach that integrates the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of students into the instruction of transportation engineering.

TAKEAWAYS:
This study aims to enhance the understanding of future science teachers in the field of transportation and to create an innovative teaching approach that integrates the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of students into the instruction of transportation engineering.

SPEAKERS:
Jiyoon Yoon (The University of Texas at Arlington: Arlington, TX)

VCU: Advancing Computer Science Education in Virginia

Saturday, March 23 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 703


STRAND: Student Learning and Inclusion

Show Details

We’ll share a free collection of lessons and a tool for culturally-relevant lessons in CS. A VA Department of Education grant supporting 3 school districts led by VCU School of Ed in collaboration with Capital One, Bank of America, and Carmax have students share solutions to authentic CS challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers gain awareness and access to OER support curriculum and a culturally responsive eval tool in CS. They will learn how local corporate partnerships enhance learning with student examples to PBL authentic challenges. Effort includes hundreds of students from seven schools across central VA.

SPEAKERS:
Al Byers (AB Advising: Ashburn, VA)

Preparing Pre-Service Teachers Through Research to Teach Science and Engineering Practices and Nature of Science

Saturday, March 23 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3F


STRAND: Instruction and Assessment: Implementing Standards

Show Details

This session describes a program funded by an NSF grant that gives pre-service science teachers the opportunity to spend a summer working in a science research laboratory gaining hands-on research experience as they apply the NGSS SEPs, CCCs, and Nature of Science standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Effective implementation of the NGSS requires science content knowledge as well as knowing how to incorporate SEPs, CCCs, and NOS into instruction. An NSF-sponsored grant supports pre-service teachers as they employ the NGSS during a summer research placement with a research team.

SPEAKERS:
Linda Padwa (Stony Brook University, SUNY: Plainview, NY)

Connecting Science to Diverse Community: 20 Years of Journey Through The Universe on Hawaiʻi Island

Saturday, March 23 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Bluebird Ballroom 3B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://noirlab.edu/public/education/journey-through-the-universe/
NSTA Journey Presentation.pdf

STRAND: Connecting with Nature

Show Details

Hawai‘i Island’s leading astronomy education program Journey Through the Universe is marking two decades of bringing astronomy down to Earth and into Hawaiʻi classrooms. Join the International Gemini Observatory/NSF’s NOIRLab as we share our approach to building community partnerships.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will take away a variety of strategies and resources from the Journey Through the Universe Program to help establish and build partnerships with their local astronomical organizations.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Sparks (NSF's NOIRLab: Tucson, AZ), Emily Peavy (Gemini Observatory/NSF's NOIRLab)

Ignite Your Teaching Journey: Expert Insights on Creating a Professional Development Plan

Saturday, March 23 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High Ballroom 3A


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

As educators, we have the power to inspire, shape, and influence young minds. To do that effectively we must continuously learn and grow. We will explore how to design your own professional development plan, become an expert in your field, and find joy through discovering your passions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will set goals and identify opportunities for growth. We will share workshops, courses, and fellowship opportunities to enhance teaching skills and personal growth.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Thompson (Department of Defense: Stevensville, MD), Samantha Willsey (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow: Washington DC, DC)

Unlocking the Power of STEM Identity in K-12 Education

Saturday, March 23 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Colorado Convention Center - 711


STRAND: Leadership and Advocacy

Show Details

Join us to learn how to Create a Positive STEM Identity for Students! Give students the power to be confident, curious, and capable in STEM using the lens of flight to generate passionate pursuits. Discover practical strategies to promote a growth mindset, creativity, and increase student agency.

TAKEAWAYS:
Unlock students' STEM IDENTITY with hands-on strategies that inspire confidence, curiosity, and STEM skills. Learn how aviation and aeronautics can promote a growth mindset and create real-life engineering scenarios and career connections. Get free resources and actionable steps at this session.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Davis (Air Camp USA, Inc.: Dayton, OH)

Incorporate Coding in STEM Classes with Both